Rad to Rad Learning: Rapid Gastric Emptying

The Radiology Partners (RP) NMMI Radiology National Subspecialty Division (NSD) presents our newest Rad to Rad Learning case. 

Peer Learning Opportunity

Rapid gastric emptying and gastroparesis can both present with similar clinical symptoms. Gastric emptying examinations can definitively distinguish between the two etiologies.

Practical Insights

• • Seen frequently in patients post gastric surgery, vagotomy, and early diabetes.
  • Diagnostic criteria: <30% retention at 60 minutes.
  • This diagnostic criteria only applies to the standard solid-phase meal, and a combination of anterior and posterior imaging.
  • This examination can be terminated at the 1 hour time point if <30% retention is seen at 60 minutes.

Takeaway: Obtaining a detailed patient history is key to an accurate diagnosis.

Shared to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery in the provision of radiology services. The circumstances and facts are changed, altered, or deidentified to preserve confidentiality. Privileges have not been waived.

The NMMI Radiology National Subspecialty Division (NSD) is part of RP’s Clinical Value Team, which works to elevate patient care and enhance value through innovation, collaboration and education. To advance this goal, our radiologists and advanced practice providers are committed to sharing peer learning as valuable reminders and insights about what we encounter in our day-to-day practice. Check back here and on X, LinkedIn and Instagram to see these common cases and our findings.

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Radiology Partners, through RP Clinical Services and its managed practices, together with Mosaic Clinical Technologies, Inc., its technology and AI division, is the leading provider of technology-enabled radiology services in the U.S., serving more than 3,400 hospitals and other healthcare facilities with high-quality radiology, technology and artificial intelligence solutions. As a physician-led and physician-owned practice, our mission is to transform radiology by innovating across clinical value, technology, and service, while elevating the role of radiology and radiologists in healthcare. For the latest news from RP, follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and the blog.