抄録
Background We previously reported on an association between increased echogenicity of the pancreas not accompanied by fatty liver and lifestyle-related diseases. In the present study, we examined an association between metabolic syndrome and increased echogenicity of the pancreas not accompanied by fatty liver.
Methods We evaluated 1993 subjects who underwent abdominal ultrasonography as examinees of the Medical Health Check-up Center of Murakami Memorial Hospital in 2001 and then underwent abdominal ultrasonography again during the 2009-2010 period. Positive hepato-pancreatic contrast on abdominal ultrasonography was defined as bright pancreas.
Results During the 2001 ultrasonography examinations, bright pancreas was detected in 776 subjects. This group of subjects had a higher BMI, BW, BP, smoking status and alcohol consumption, significantly higher levels of ALT, γ-GTP, LDL - cholesterol, HDL - cholesterol, TG, fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, and lower serum amylase. During the 2009 and 2010 examinations, a larger number of subjects (866) were found to have bright pancreas.
Conclusion Bright pancreas not accompanied by fatty liver was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, a lifestyle-related disease. Therefore, it seems necessary to consider bright pancreas to be abnormal and to follow up patients with this condition while providing guidance on lifestyle improvement and/or other interventions.
