Evaluation of malignant pancreatic tumor using artificial acoustic radiation force ultrasonography in patients undergoing pancreatectomy

To evaluate pancreatic elasticity and tumor diagnosis, we preoperatively investigated the elasticity calculated by a new ultrasonography (US) technique, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). Materials and Methods: We examined ARFI in non-tumorous and tumor regions by push pulse of probe in 30 patients with pancreatic malignancies undergoing pancreatectomy. Measurement of stiffness was indicated as the Vs (mm/sec). Results: The Vs in the non-tumor region was measured in the pancreas head in 17 and in the body in 13 patients. The Vs of pancreatic tumors was measured in 14 of 22 patients (64%). The Vs in pancreatic tumors (2.17±0.95 m/sec.) was significantly higher than that in the non-tumorous pancreas (1.41±0.47 m/sec.) (p