Acute pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes suddenly and severely inflamed, most commonly due to gallstones or heavy alcohol consumption. Ultrasound is usually the first imaging study performed because it can identify gallstones as the underlying cause and detect complications such as fluid collections around the pancreas. On ultrasound, the inflamed pancreas may appear enlarged and hypoechoic compared to its normal appearance, though bowel gas sometimes makes the pancreas difficult to visualize. If ultrasound findings are inconclusive, CT scanning is typically used for a more detailed evaluation of the pancreas and surrounding structures.
Sonography Term