title: Intragastric balloon for morbid obesity causing chronic gastric dilatation.
abstract: We describe the radiographic findings observed in a morbidly obese and diabetic patient with an intragastric air-filled balloon introduced as a therapeutic measure to reduce food intake. The balloon was associated with chronic gastric dilatation and had to be removed 3 months after insertion. However, together with diet and behavioural therapy, it proved effective in reducing body weight and ameliorating glycaemic control. Although rarely used, intragastric balloons for the treatment of morbid obesity are still encountered in radiological practice. Radiologists must be able to recognize them and to understand their complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, DICMI, University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi, 8, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pretolesi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Redaelli
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Papagni
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Derchi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D015905:Gastric Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology