Diffuse Changes In The Parenchyma Of The Pancreas - Increased Echogenicity, Induration, Heterogeneous Structure Of The Pancreas

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Pancreatic parenchyma changes

Diffuse changes in the pancreatic parenchyma

The pancreas is a large organ of internal and external secretion. It is located on the posterior abdominal wall in the retroperitoneal zone, consists of a head, body, tail, and is partially covered by the stomach in front. In the thickness of the pancreas there is its duct directed from the tail to the head. The gland produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

In the tissue of the pancreas, endocrine glands are located, which produce insulin for the absorption of glucose. A healthy pancreas has a homogeneous tissue, large contours. The cause of diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas, according to doctors, is acute and chronic pancreatitis, increased blood sugar levels.

Often, diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas are diagnosed in people of advanced age, with various problems of the cardiovascular system, diseases of the liver and biliary tract, and organs of the digestive tract. The cause of changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas can also be infectious and inflammatory diseases of internal organs that contribute to metabolic disorders.

Increased echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma

When conducting ultrasound diagnostics, you can find out the density of internal organs. If a reduced or increased echogenicity of the pancreas is detected, then this is a serious reason for undergoing an extensive examination, which provides an accurate diagnosis and determines methods for eliminating problems.

Increased echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma is detected during inflammation with the formation of fibrosis, which develops against the background of metabolic disorders, with the replacement of healthy tissue of the parenchyma with fat, with acute pancreatitis and recurrence of chronic inflammation that changes the density of the parenchyma.

The value of the absorption coefficient of ultrasonic radiation depends on the increased echogenicity of the parenchyma. Malignant tumors that form in the parenchyma have a higher absorption coefficient of ultrasonic energy than benign tumors.

Compaction of the pancreatic parenchyma

Methods for examining the pancreatic parenchyma include interviewing and examining the patient, laboratory, instrumental and radiological methods. The thickening of the parenchyma can be the result of various diseases of the pancreas.

Symptoms include pain in the epigastric region and the left hypochondrium, disorders of the digestive system that cause a person to feel discomfort, general weakness, and severe weight loss. The regime and nature of nutrition, the presence of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cystic fibrosis have a definite effect on the appearance of compaction of the organ parenchyma.

Inhomogeneous structure of the pancreatic parenchyma

The pancreas of a healthy person has a homogeneous structure, the same echogenicity, well-visible contours, an uncinate process, the correct position and normal dimensions of the head and tail. Deviation from the norm is determined by an increase in the size of individual parts of the pancreas and the heterogeneity of the structure of its tissues.

The heterogeneity of the pancreas is evidence of the presence of various diseases, including pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. This pathology can be found in any part of this organ. Diffusely heterogeneous changes can be caused by edema, inflammation and the formation of pseudocysts.

Reactive changes in the pancreatic parenchyma

Reactive changes in the parenchyma are a consequence of inflammation of the pancreas due to the aggressive effects of the liver and gallbladder on it. This causes pain, dyspepsia and an increase in blood sugar levels and occurs because the glandular tissue of the parenchyma with a reactive pancreas produces pancreatic juice and hormones in insufficient quantities. One of the most common reasons for the appearance of reactive changes in the parenchyma can be an allergic reaction.

Diffuse changes in an important organ contribute to a reactive change that spreads evenly throughout the pancreas without the presence of local foci indicating neoplasms or stone formation. Treatment of this pathology is one of the topical issues of modern gastroenterology.

The combination of medicines prescribed by the attending physician and properly organized nutrition can prevent the development of various complications. It must be remembered that a timely visit to a doctor and careful fulfillment of prescriptions can be a guarantee of successful treatment.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".