What is considered a normal diameter for the Common Bile Duct (CBD)?
A normal CBD measures less than 6 mm.
What is the acceptable diameter for the CBD after a cholecystectomy?
After a cholecystectomy, the CBD can be up to 7-8 mm because it dilates after losing its reservoir function.
What does a dilated CBD (greater than 6-8 mm) suggest?
A dilated CBD suggests obstruction.
What is choledocholithiasis?
Choledocholithiasis is a stone in the distal common bile duct.
How is choledocholithiasis identified on ultrasound?
It is identified by an echogenic focus with shadowing within the duct lumen.
What associated finding might be present with a pancreatic head mass causing CBD obstruction?
Dilated intrahepatic ducts can be an associated finding.
How is a pancreatic head mass identified as a cause of CBD obstruction?
It is identified as a hypoechoic mass compressing the duct.
What are signs of pancreatitis that might indicate pancreatic inflammation as a cause of CBD obstruction?
Signs include an enlarged, edematous pancreas with visible peripancreatic fluid and edema.
What might cause a stricture leading to CBD obstruction?
Strictures can be caused by post-sphincterotomy changes or malignancy.
How is a stricture identified on ultrasound?
It is identified by an abrupt narrowing of the duct, often with a history of ERCP.
What is Mirizzi syndrome?
Mirizzi syndrome occurs when a large stone impacted in the gallbladder neck compresses the CBD externally.
How does the ‘Probe Trick’ help differentiate obstruction from non-obstruction?
If the duct compresses easily, it may not be obstructed. If it resists compression, it is likely obstructed and tense.
Why is the pancreas considered a challenging organ to visualize with ultrasound?
It lies deep in the retroperitoneum, is often obscured by bowel gas, and is surrounded by fat which makes contrast difficult.
What scanning tip can be used to improve visualization of the pancreas?
Using the left kidney or spleen as an acoustic window can help, as these are anechoic structures that transmit sound well.
What are the normal size ranges for the different parts of the pancreas?
Head: 2-3 cm, Body: 1.5-2.5 cm, Tail: 2-3 cm.
What is the normal echotexture of the pancreas?
It is hypoechoic to the liver (darker) with a homogeneous granular echo pattern.
How does the echotexture of the pancreas change with age?
It becomes more echogenic with age due to fat infiltration.
What is the normal diameter of the Main Pancreatic Duct?
The Main Pancreatic Duct measures less than 3 mm in diameter.
What are the characteristic features of the Main Pancreatic Duct on ultrasound?
It has echogenic walls (bright lines) and runs horizontally through the pancreatic body towards the ampulla.
What are the classic patient presentation symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
Severe epigastric pain, elevated lipase/amylase.
What is a significant USG finding for acute pancreatitis, and what does it indicate?
Enlarged pancreas (body >4 cm), indicating edema from inflammation and serving as a severity marker.
What does decreased echogenicity (hypoechoic) of the pancreas on USG suggest in acute pancreatitis?
Inflammation and edema, indicating an active process.
What does blurred pancreatic borders on USG signify in the context of acute pancreatitis?
Edema spreading beyond the organ, indicating severe inflammation.
What is the significance of peripancreatic fluid found on USG in acute pancreatitis?
It is exudate from the inflamed pancreas and indicates severity.