Preliminary Diagnosis: Gastroparesis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Contrasted fluoroscopic upper GI examination
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of gastroparesis.
Advantages
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Highly portable examination
Disadvantages
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Has limited sensitivity and is poorly specific in detailing gastroparesis compared to a nuclear medicine gastric emptying test
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May expose patients to a large amount of radiation
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Highly operator dependent
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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Nuclear medicine technetium-99m sulfur colloid gastric emptying examination
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of gastroparesis.
Nuclear medicine technetium-99m sulfur colloid gastric emptying examination
Advantages
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Gold standard for diagnosis of gastroparesis
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Highly sensitive and specific in detailing gastroparesis
Disadvantages
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Time-consuming and must be performed over 4 hours
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Radiopharmaceuticals may not be given to pregnant patients or those breastfeeding
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Offers limited evaluation of the surrounding anatomic structures
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Nuclear medicine technetium-99m sulfur colloid gastric emptying examination
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May not be given to pregnant patients or those breastfeeding
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