Sonographic measurement of the pancreas in children.

The real-time ultrasound images of the head of the pancreas in 93 children, and those of the body of the pancreas in 143 children, were analyzed to determine the normal size. Ultrasound images were obtained by sagittal scanning at the epigastrium and the long axis and the short axis of the oval cross section were measured. The pancreatic dimensions were correlated with height, weight, body surface area, and age. Correlation with height was as good as or better than that obtained with the other physical parameters. However, pancreatic measurements in children vary within each height group, especially in the short axis diameter. Therefore, ultrasound imaging should be utilized in conjunction with clinical and biochemical findings for more precise evaluation of the pancreas.