ARDMS AB-Abdomen Exam - Topic 2 Question 14 Discussion

Actual exam question for ARDMS's AB-Abdomen exam

Question #: 14
Topic #: 2

[All AB-Abdomen Questions]

What is the most common ultrasound appearance of the pancreas in mild acute pancreatitis?

AEnlarged

BHypoechoic

CHeterogeneous

DNormal

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

In mild acute pancreatitis, the pancreas often appears diffusely enlarged and slightly hypoechoic due to edema and inflammation. However, in very early or mild cases, the pancreas may still appear normal. Heterogeneous echotexture may develop in more severe or necrotizing pancreatitis.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound:

''In mild pancreatitis, the pancreas is commonly enlarged and hypoechoic due to inflammatory edema.''

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2017.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of an Ultrasound Examination of the Abdomen, 2020.

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by Benedict at May 27, 2026, 05:20 AM

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Rolande

I feel like normal appearance is too simple for mild acute pancreatitis, but I can't remember the specifics.

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Lettie

5 days ago

I practiced a question like this, and I think the answer was heterogeneous, but I might be mixing it up with another condition.

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Mammie

10 days ago

I remember something about it being hypoechoic, but I can't recall if that's for mild or severe cases.

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Marylin

15 days ago

I think the pancreas is usually enlarged in mild acute pancreatitis, but I'm not completely sure.

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