[Optimizing antrum planimetry for ultrasound determination of gastric emptying using emptying function reference lines].

UNLABELLED: Previous studies have shown high inter- and intraindividual variation coefficients (Vkinter; Vkintra) of the gastric emptying time t(end) determined by sonographical antrum planimetry.

PURPOSE: Are there new parameters reflecting the functional process of gastric emptying?

METHOD: Gastric emptying of 300 ml water was studied in 20 healthy volunteers by sonographical antrum planimetry. 10 volunteers were examined a second time on another day.

RESULTS

High variation coefficients Vkinter (42%) and Vkintra (31%) could be demonstrated. Moreover, a correlation of r = +0.922 between tend and the maximal percentual increase of the antral area was evident. This relation is introduced as the functional-emptying-line (FEL).

CONCLUSION

Using the functional aspects of FEL, gastric emptying can be studied sonographically under functional aspects.