Improved visualization of the pancreatic tail after maximum distension of the stomach.

Fifty-two computed tomography examinations through the region of the pancreas were retrospectively analyzed to determine if marked stomach distension influenced the visualization of the pancreatic tail. Of the 29 patients who had marked stomach distension, 25 (86%) had displacement of small bowel loops away from the ventral surface of the pancreatic tail. With moderate or minimal stomach distension, there was bowel loop displacement in 37% and 0% of cases, respectively. Marked stomach distension appears to be an effective means of improving visualization of the pancreatic tail.