RÉSUMÉ
Background: Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) is a newer method that can diagnose and differentiate various types of pancreatic masses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tissue harmonic imaging for detection and differentiation of pancreatic masses and its comparison with conventional B-mode ultrasound, biphasic CECT abdomen and tissue diagnosis. Methods: 31 patients who presented with a suspicion of pancreatic mass clinically or radiologically were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent both conventional B-mode ultrasound abdomen and THI. Biphasic CECT abdomen was done for diagnostic reference. Pancreatic lesions were documented regarding site, size, internal architecture, and status of peri-pancreatic vessels. The USG diagnosis was compared with biphasic CECT and tissue diagnosis. Results: There was statistically significant difference between THI and conventional B-mode USG in visualization of image quality (p<0.001) and solid-cystic differentiation (SCD) (p=0.001). Taking tissue diagnosis as the standard, out of the 25 (80.6%) cases which were diagnosed as malignant on USG and biphasic CECT, 18(72%) cases were confirmed to be malignant on tissue diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference between biphasic CECT and USG (conventional B-mode and THI) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant masses in pancreas (p=1). Conclusions: THI is superior to conventional B-mode USG in the Sonography of pancreatic masses because THI has better overall image quality, lesion conspicuity, visualization of lesion margin and fluid–solid differentiation. It should be routinely utilized as part of the diagnostic workup of patients with pancreatic masses.