Ultrasonography (US) has long been considered an important diagnostic imaging modality for investigation of the pancreas despite certain significant and well-known limitations. Indeed, in many countries US represents the first step in the diagnostic algorithm for pancreatic pathologies. Recent years have witnessed major advances in conventional, harmonic, and Doppler imaging. New technologies, softwares, and techniques, such as volumetric imaging, enhancement quantification, and fusion imaging, are increasing the diagnostic capabilities of US. The injection of microbubble contrast agents allows better tissue characterization with definitive differentiation between solid and cystic lesions. Contrast-enhanced US improves the characterization of pancreatic tumors, assists in local and liver staging, and can offer savings in both time and money. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a promising new US method to test, without manual compression, the mechanical strain properties of deep tissues. Furthermore, the applications and indications for interventional, endoscopic, and intraoperative US have undergone significant improvement and refinement. This book provides a complete overview of all these technological developments and their impact on the assessment of pancreatic pathologies. Percutaneous, endoscopic, and intraoperative US of the pancreas are discussed in detail, with precise description of findings and with informative imaging (CT and MRI) and pathologic correlations.

The Atlas of Endoscopic Ultrasonography provides readers with a large collection of excellent images obtained from both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Atlas includes a DVD which will be an invaluable addition to the library of trainee and practising gastroenterologists with video clips and searchable database of images. Together the book and DVD offer a first class collection of images to give a highly integrated introduction to endoscopic ultrasonography. The Atlas is an ideal companion to Dr Gress et al’s Endoscopic Ultrasonography, Second Edition.

This text stresses the importance of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) - the combination of flexible endoscopy and ultrasound (U/S) - as a tool to see beyond the digestive tract into the human body, and in particular to visualize the pancreas, an endocrine organ which is hidden deep inside the retroperitoneum. Pancreatic cancer, which is increasing globally, remains one of the most aggressive and morbid cancers, and is only survivable if the cancer is detected early. EUS has become the primary tool used to diagnose such cancers, as well as a variety of other diseases affecting the pancreas. The text is intended for all physicians dealing with patients with pancreatic issues, and will provide them with indications and treatment algorithms for cost-effective referrals and diagnostic testing. For endoscopists an with interest in learning EUS, this book will guide them through this complex technology, helping them to better understand the physical and interpretational skills needed in order to perform pancreatic EUS in a simple and effective fashion.

Using numerous high-quality illustrations, this volume assesses strengths and limitations of techniques for the imaging of pancreatitis. Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and interventional imaging are considered separately in the settings of acute and chronic pancreatitis, with an additional section on imaging of complications. The significance of the imaging findings for clinical and therapeutic decision making is clearly explained, and protocols are provided to help obtain the best possible images.

This atlas demonstrates all components of the body through imaging, in much the same way that a geographical atlas demonstrates components of the world. Each body system and organ is imaged in every plane using all relevant modalities, allowing the reader to gain knowledge of density and signal intensity. Areas and methods not usually featured in imaging atlases are addressed, including the cranial nerve pathways, white matter tractography, and pediatric imaging. As the emphasis is very much on high-quality images with detailed labeling, there is no significant written component; however, ‘pearl boxes’ are scattered throughout the book to provide the reader with greater insight. This atlas will be an invaluable aid to students and clinicians with a radiological image in hand, as it will enable them to look up an exact replica and identify the anatomical components. The message to the reader is: Choose an organ, read the ‘map,’ and enjoy the journey!

Diseases of the pancreas have been extremely difficult to study. Until relatively recently, the pancreas was viewed by surgeons as an organ to be avoided, given its deep retroperitoneal location and the sometimes severe consequences of manipulation. Similar difficulties have plagued careful study of the pancreas. In humans, only inf- quently have we had the opportunity to evaluate the evolution of d- eases of the pancreas; instead, we are confronted with end-stage chronic pancreatitis or acute pancreatitis with extensive necrosis of the gland. Within the past decade, revolutionary techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and animal models have begun to give us dramatic new insights into pancreatic disease. Coupled with these advances has been a slow but steady progress in the development of our clinical tools for diagnosing and treating pancreatic diseases. These advances place us on the threshold of a much more complete understanding of pancreatic diseases, opening up new opportunities for novel therapies and preventive measures. Pancreatitis and Its Complications brings together many of the world’s experts in pancreatic diseases. These “pancreatologists” include basic scientists, endoscopists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons. The ch- ters have been organized to provide a comprehensive discussion of acute and chronic pancreatitis, with up-to-date discussions of pat- physiology, epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, treatment, and c- plications of disease. It is hoped that this text will serve as a useful reference for clinicians as well as provide a clinical background for scientists with an interest in pancreatic or related diseases.

Abdominal Ultrasound for Surgeons provides a comprehensive guide to the use of ultrasonography in surgical practice of abdominal diseases. The content is divided into three major sections, with the final section being dedicated to the logistics of incorporating ultrasound into a surgical practice. In Part I : The Basics, the principles of ultrasonography are reviewed focusing on ultrasound physics, equipment and instrumentation. A detailed approach to the various scanning methods with image and artifact interpretation is demonstrated with illustrations and images. In Part II : Anatomy, Application and Intervention, ultrasound anatomy and its use in surgery are detailed. The normal and abnormal ultrasound anatomy of specific abdominal organ or organ systems (esophagus, liver, pancreas, biliary, stomach, anorectum, vascularabdominal wall) with illustrations and images are demonstrated. A state-of-the-art review of the major applications of surgical abdominal ultrasound is provided in this section ranging from trauma ultrasound and laparoscopic staging to techniques in ultrasound guidance and three-dimensional targeting. In Part III : Ultrasound in Surgical Practice, the practical aspects of incorporation of ultrasound into a surgical practice are addressed with topics ranging from credentialing to coding and billing. Abdominal Ultrasound for Surgeons will serve as a very useful resource and guide for surgeons and students with little to some experience in ultrasound, including practicing surgeons, surgical fellows and surgical residents.