Gray scale sonographic anatomy of the pancreas.

With the development of gray scale, the appearance of pancreatic anatomy and its relationship to surrounding structures can be demonstrated more effectively. Gray scale has made it possible to identify such vessels as the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, superior mesenteric artery, splenic vein, etc. This makes it possible to identify the pancreas more precisely. The normal pancreas appears to have a fairly specific echo pattern. The pancreas scanning techniques used in this study include the oblique, transverse, and longitudinal sections. Oblique views are especially useful.