Echo-duplex evaluation of the superior mesenteric artery in chronic pancreatitis

Objective: To compare haemodynamic changes in the superior mesenteric artery with morphological abnormalities of chronic pancreatitis, using non-invasive echo-Duplex ultrasonography. Patients: The study included 14 patients with chronic pancreatitis who were evaluated by echo-Duplex ultrasonography and compared with 14 normal subjects. Interventions. The parameters evaluated included the peak systolic velocity, the end-diastolic velocity, the resistance index and the vessel diameter. Results: In patients with chronic pancreatitis, the peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities were significantly higher than those in the controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). The resistance index for the superior mesenteric artery was significantly lower in patients with chronic pancreatitis than that in controls (P = 0.03). A morphological evaluation of the superior mesenteric artery also revealed a significant increase in the vessel diameter in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with controls (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The alterations in peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities seem to be determined by an increase in vessel diameter and, most probably, by modifications in the concentrations of vasoactive gastrointestinal peptides.