Evaluation of the Endoscopic Pancreatogram

Of 300 endoscopic attempts at cannulation of the biliary and/or pancreatic ducts, 265 were successful and pancreatograms obtained in 203. The duct of clinical interest was visualized in 67% of the initial 150 studies and in 93% of the rest. In 75 proved cases of pancreatic disease, the pancreatographic features of the following disorders were identified: (a) Acute recurrent pancreatitis: 66% of these studies were normal. (b) Chronic pancreatitis: 93% of these were abnormal. (c) Pancreatic cyst: consistently abnormal studies were seen, with filling of the cyst cavity in 62%. (d) Pancreatic neoplasm: abnormal studies were demonstrated in 74% of cases. With use of combined ductal characteristics, the ultimate diagnosis can be suggested in most of these cases.