Normal size of pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in our body. Although this organ is not very large, it is very important in helping digestion and improving immunity. What is the normal size of the pancreas? Generally speaking, the size of each person's pancreas is different, with an average of about 35 to 45 HU, and some can reach 60 to 65 HU after enhancement. Sudden increase or decrease is not a good sign, and there are some complications when pancreatitis occurs, so you must pay attention.

The density of a normal pancreas is basically uniform or slightly uneven, and may decrease slightly from head to tail. It is about 35~45 HU on plain scan and can reach 60~65HU after enhancement. The contour is mostly smooth, but can also be wavy or feathery. The latter is caused by the large amount of fat between the pancreatic lobules. The size of the pancreas is affected by many factors. Generally speaking, the size of the pancreatic head does not exceed the transverse diameter of the L2 vertebra, and the body and tail do not exceed 2/3 of the transverse diameter of the L2 vertebra.

For Chinese adults, it is normal for the pancreatic head to be less than 20mm, 21-25mm to be suspicious, and larger than 26mm to be enlarged. It is normal for the body and tail to be less than 15mm, 16-20mm to be suspicious, and larger than 21mm to be enlarged. Regardless of the measurement method used, attention should be paid to the symmetrical proportions between the head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Sudden changes that exceed the adjacent pancreas by more than 3 mm should be taken seriously. Sometimes, the anteroposterior diameter of a few normal pancreatic tails may be equal to or slightly larger than the anteroposterior diameter of the pancreatic body.

In addition, the size of the pancreas is related to gender and age. Generally, the pancreas of men is slightly larger than that of women. As age increases, the pancreas tends to gradually shrink and become smaller, and also undergoes fatty degeneration. The main blood vessels around the pancreas include the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery and vein, splenic vein, inferior vena cava and portal vein, which can be used as landmarks to distinguish the pancreas.