Gastroparesis other imaging findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Barium studies and gastric emptying scintigraphy may be helpful in the diagnosis of gastroparesis. Findings on both test include delayed gastric emptying of food on X-ray.

Other Imaging Findings

Barium Studies

• After fasting for 12 hours, a thick liquid called barium, which coats the stomach, making it show up on the x ray.
• If you have diabetes, your doctor may have special instructions about fasting.
• Normally, the stomach will be empty of all food after 12 hours of fasting.
• Gastroparesis is likely if the x ray shows food in the stomach.
• Because a person with gastroparesis can sometimes have normal emptying, the doctor may repeat the test another day if gastroparesis is suspected.

Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy

• This test involves eating a bland meal, such as eggs or egg substitute, that contains a small amount of a radioactive substance, called radioisotope, that shows up on scans.
• The dose of radiation from the radioisotope is not dangerous.
• The scan measures the rate of gastric emptying at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours.
• When more than 10 percent of the meal is still in the stomach at 4 hours, the diagnosis of gastroparesis is confirmed.