Gastric Emptying Study (cont.)
When is a gastric emptying study used?
A gastric emptying study often is used when there is a
suspicion that there is abnormally delayed emptying of food from the stomach,
medically called delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying most
commonly gives rise to abdominal discomfort after meals, nausea and vomiting. The two most common
causes of delayed gastric emptying are gastric outlet obstruction and gastroparesis.
Gastric outlet
obstruction refers to
a condition in which the narrow channel leading from the stomach into the small
intestine through which food passes
(called the pylorus) is physically blocked, and, as a result food enters the
first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum) slowly or not
at all. The most common causes of gastric outlet obstruction are scarring or
inflammation of the pylorus from peptic ulcers, cancers of the stomach, or,
occasionally, cancers near the pylorus, for example, of the pancreas or
duodenum. A diagnosis of gastric outlet obstrution is made by tests such as
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), abdominal computerized tomography (CT scan),
and upper GI series.
Once gastric outlet obstruction has been excluded by
appropriate testing as the cause of delayed gastric emptying, physicians then
may perform a gastric emptying study to diagnose gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is
a condition in which there is delayed gastric emptying, but the delay is not due
to obstruction. Rather, it is due to abnormal function of the muscles of the
stomach. Normal function of the stomach's muscles is necessary in order to
propel food from the stomach and into the small intestine. If the muscles or the
nerves that control the muscles are not working normally, food remains in the
stomach. Gastroparesis is commonly caused by diseases and medications. The most
common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes mellitus.
A gastric emptying study also may be used when there is
a suspicion that there is abnormally rapid gastric emptying. Rapid gastric
emptying can cause diarrhea and episodes of weakness or light-headedness
following meals (referred to as the "dumping" syndrome). Common causes of rapid
gastric emptying include surgery of the stomach and diabetes mellitus.
Next: How are the results of a gastric emptying study evaluated? »
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