Angiography vs. pancreatography in diagnosis of carcinoma of the pancreas.

Relative efficacy of angiography and pancreatography in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was assessed in 13 patients. Pancreatography provided a correct preoperative diagnosis in 10 patients. In 3 patients the duct could not be cannulated. Twelve patients underwent angiography and a correct diagnosis was made in 10. Preoperative diagnosis was not made by either technique in 1 patient. Pancreatography did not detect carcinoma of the pancreas at an earlier stage than did angiography. These procedures should be considered complementary to each other. Angiography defines the size, extension and resectability of the tumor. Pancreatography outlines the internal architecture of the gland and duct system.