Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 3, Issue 7 317-320, Copyright © 1984 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Respiratory movement of the pancreas: an ultrasonic study
P. J. Bryan, S. Custar, J. R. Haaga and V. Balsara
Respiratory movement of the pancreas was documented ultrasonically in 36
normal patients and volunteers. Pancreatic excursion from full inspiration
to full expiration was measured in the plane of the superior mesenteric
artery in supine, prone, and decubitus positions. Excursions ranged from 0
to 3.5 cm. The average respiratory excursion was 1.8 cm in the supine
position, 1.9 cm when prone, and 2.2 cm in the lateral decubitus position.
Such respiratory movement of the pancreas has obvious implications both for
static B-mode ultrasound scanning and for CT scanning.
