Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic parenchymography.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic parenchymography was performed using the technique of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Contrast material was prepared from a nonionic surfactant combined with either sodium iothalamate or sodium and meglumine diatrizoate. With this method, a smooth contour of the pancreas and homogeneous pattern of the parenchyma were shown in the normal pancreas, while an irregular contour of the pancreas, unhomogeneous pattern of the parenchyma, and diminution of the area of the pancreas were found in chronic pancreatitis. In pancreatic carcinoma, a filling defect of the pancreatic field was seen. In the 186 cases studied, the only complication observed was a transient rise in serum amylase level.