What finding would most likely be associated with chronic pancreatitis on imaging studies?

Chronic pancreatitis is often characterized by specific structural changes in the pancreas that are detectable on imaging studies. The presence of calcifications is one of the most definitive findings associated with chronic pancreatitis. These calcifications result from ongoing damage to the pancreatic tissue that leads to necrosis and mineralization over time.

They can appear as small, punctate densities within the gland on imaging, such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans. The formation of calcifications is a consequence of both the inflammatory process and the inadequate replacement of damaged pancreatic tissue, which is distinct in chronic cases compared to acute pancreatitis, where such changes are not typically present.

The other options do not accurately represent the typical imaging findings associated with chronic pancreatitis. An enlarged pancreas may occur in acute pancreatitis, but in chronic cases, the pancreas is often atrophied or shrunk. Increased echogenicity can indicate fatty infiltration or other conditions rather than chronic pancreatitis specifically. Fluid collections can occur in both acute and chronic pancreatitis, but they are not definitive findings specifically linked to the chronic form of the disease. Thus, calcifications are a hallmark of chronic pancreatitis on imaging studies, making that the most likely associated finding.