SELECTIVE ARTERIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY PANCREATIC DISEASE

Use of an improved technique, including stereoscopic views and magnification, has made selective arteriography the most revealing test in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Our findings were surgically and pathologically confirmed in 45 per cent of 78 cases. In another 30 per cent, confirmation was based on clinical and laboratory findings.Focal or generalized pancreatic blush, small arterial beading and irregularity are the most common findings. Hypervascularity and enlargement of the organ in acute recurrent or active stages and hypovascularity in advanced fibrosis were observed. Nonfunctioning splenic vein, seen in 14 per cent of cases, and in absence of adjacent arterial encasement, is the most reliable sign of pancreatitis of tail and body.