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.”