Sonographic Appearances of the Incidentally Detected Pancreatic Varices in Patients with Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the sonographic characteristics of the varices of pancreas in portal hypertension. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic findings, case records and other diagnostic procedures of 11 patients with clinical features of portal hypertension of different etiology, all having sonographical changes suggesting presence of the pancreatic varices. Size, echogenicity, margins, location and type of vascularity were analyzed. All patients underwent subsequent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: Gray-scale sonography demonstrated either anechoic oval lesions or tortuous tubular structures located in different parts of pancreas. The vascular nature of the structures was proven by detection of blood flow on color Doppler and power Doppler sonography and categorized as venous by means of pulsed Doppler sonography. CT revealed pancreatic varices in 9 patients. Of the 11 subjects with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed, 9 had esophageal varices confirmed. Conclusions: Varices of pancreas are detectable on Doppler sonography in patients with portal hypertension.