EX-VIVO EXAMINATION OF THE PANCREAS BY INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY (IDUS)

Pancreas specimens from humans (seven normal autopsy specimens, one su rgical resection specimen containing a 15 mm microcystic adenoma in th e pancreatic head) were examined by intraductal ultrasonography using flexible, high-resolution ultrasonic catheters (20 MHz, 4.8 and 6.0 Fr ench diameter). The catheters were easily inserted into the pancreatic duct in all specimens. The ultrasonographic tissue pattern could be c orrelated,vith the histological findings in tissue cross-sections at d efined positions. A high degree of resolution was achieved in the diff erentiation of blood vessels, duct system elements, fibrotic tissue, f atty tissue and pancreatic tissue with a varying fat content. At an av erage distance of 5.5mm, structures as small as O.lmm could be discrim inated. No evidence of ductal trauma due to insertion of the catheters was found either on subsequent radiographic studies or on histologic examination. Clinical studies using this probe during ERCP are necessa ry to clarify whether intraductal ultrasonography could contribute to the diagnosis of small pancreatic lesions and to the differentiation o f indeterminate ductal stenoses.