title: Monitoring gastric filling, satiety and gastric emptying in a patient with gastric balloon using functional magnetic resonance imaging-a feasibility report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intragastric balloons are used for short term weight loss therapy in obese. It is possible to monitor the ballon with sonography, however this method is sometimes insufficient in obese patients. Therefore MRI seems to be a potential therapy-monitoring option.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this feasibility report we want to demonstrate the potential use of functional MRI in monitoring gastric filling, patient satiation and gastric emptying in a obese patient who previously received intragastric balloon placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  We selected one patient (male, 178 cm, 127 kg, BMI = 40,5 kg/m(2)) who recently received a gastric balloon and visualized gastric motility in presence of the gastric balloon before and after food intake. Fast cross-sectional images in one breathhold spin echo or gradient echo sequences were aquired. Real-time gastric motion was performed with cine mode.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MRI offers perfect visualisation of gastric balloons in obese patients. Gastric filling and emptying can be monitored in correlation to patient satiety sensation. MRI can visualize the gastric balloon with degree of filling and possible leakages. Cine mode sequences demonstrate gastric motility and gastric wall peristalsis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MR is a valuable imaging alternative for patients with intragastric balloons.
authors.affiliation: Center for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospitals Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Juchems
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uyak
authors.forename: Andrea S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: Hans-Juergen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Brambs