CONTRAST ENHANCED ENDOSONOGRAPHY FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF FOCAL PANCREATITIS AND PANCREATIC CARCINOMA

Purpose: Introduction: Recognizing malignant neoplasia in chronic inflammatory pancreatic lesions was always difficult. However, the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration made this much easier. Nevertheless a non-invasive method of detecting malignant tissue would still be preferable. Methods and Materials: Patients and Method: In 86 patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis [age: 62±12 years; sex: f/m 38/48] pancreatic lesions were examined by conventional endoscopic B-mode and Power Doppler ultrasound and contrast enhanced power-mode (Hitachi EUB 525, SonoVue®, 2.4ml, Bracco) u…