Solid-phase gastric emptying in patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Delayed gastric emptying as a pathophysiologic factor in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is controversial. In order to further evaluate this question, we studied a population with severe reflux, specifically, patients with Barrett's esophagus. Solid-phase gastric emptying was measured in 17 patients and in 17 healthy volunteers using radionuclide imaging. Gastric emptying was variable among these patients with 70% normal, 18% rapid, and only 12% slow studies. From these observations, we conclude that delayed gastric emptying is unlikely to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging