Determining age related volumetric changes in pancreas with stereologic methods on multi-detector computerized tomography and correlation with body composition

Pancreas is the biggest digestive system gland which has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Pancreatic parenchyma is replaced by fatty tissue progressively with aging and this also increases lobulation of pancreas. In our study, we aimed to investigate the age related volumetric changes in pancreas and the relationship between these changes and certain parameters.Our study was conducted retrospectively on CT images of 272 individuals who had no complaints of pancreatic disease. Demographic information about the patients was obtained. Cases were grouped according to age and body mass index (BMI). The ages of the cases were between 3rd and 9th decades. Pancreatic volume was calculated using the ?Cavalieri principle? which is a stereologic method. Sagittal and transverse abdominal diameters, skin thickness and pancreatic density were measured on the CT images.There was a negative correlation between pancreatic volume and age (p<0,001, r:-0,473). We found positive correlation between pancreatic volume and BMI (p<0,001, r:0,226), sagittal abdominal diameter (p<0,001, r:0,288), transverse abdominal diameter (p<0,001, r:0,218), anterior skin thickness (p<0,001, r:0,211), posterior skin thickness (p=0,009, r:0,158), bilateral skin thickness (p=0,012, r:0,153).We think that our study may contribute to basic medical and clinical sciences, may provide a reference work for determining the limits of age related volumetric changes in pancreas and may help in diagnosing possible diseases.Key words: 1. Pancreas 2. CT 3. Age related changes 4. Stereology