gastric emptying scintigraphy

Last reviewed 01/2018

• gastric emptying scintigraphy of a radiolabeled solid meal is the gold standard for the diagnosis of gastroparesis
  • test provides a physiological, non-invasive and quantitative measure of gastric emptying
  • measurement of emptying of solids is more sensitive by scintigraphy
    • due to the fact that liquid emptying may remain normal despite advanced disease. A variety of foods including chicken, liver, eggs, egg whites, oatmeal, or pancakes are used as meals
    • content of the meal is one of the most important variables in gastric emptying
      • solids versus liquids, indigestible residue, fat content, calories and volume of the test meal, can all alter gastric emptying time
      • consensus recommendations for a standardized gastric emptying procedure have recommended a universally acceptable 99-m technetium sulfur-colloid labeled low fat, egg-white meal

Reference:

• 1) Abell TL et al. Consensus recommendations for gastric emptying scintigraphy: a joint report of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and the Society of Nuclear Medicine.Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Mar;103(3):753-63. Epub 2007 Nov 19.