Pancreatographic abnormalities due to pancreatic cancer

The endoscopic cannulation records of two medical centers (Niigata, Japan and NEMCH, Boston, Mass.) were studied for evidence of pancreatic cancer. Of a total group of 483 pancreatic ductograms, 33 were characteristically abnormal and fell into 4 patterns: stenotic, tapering, obstructed, or unclassified. Three causes of false-positive patterns emerged: idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, surgical mobilization of the head of the pancreas, and traumatic pancreatitis. No false-negative results have been found in this brief followup period. The endoscopic method remains valid for preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, keeping in mind these sources of false-positive results.