Mavetømningsscintigrafi

Mavetømningsscintigrafi, also known as gastric emptying scintigraphy, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging test used to evaluate how quickly or slowly food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. It is a key tool in diagnosing and assessing various gastrointestinal motility disorders, particularly gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying.

The procedure involves consuming a specially prepared meal, often containing a small, harmless amount of a radioactive tracer. This tracer is not harmful and does not affect the food or the body's processes. The patient then lies under a gamma camera, which detects the radiation emitted by the tracer. Images are taken at regular intervals, typically over several hours, to track the movement of the radioactive meal through the stomach.

By analyzing the images, physicians can quantify the rate at which the stomach empties its contents. This information helps to determine if there is a delay in gastric emptying, identify the severity of the delay, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment for conditions affecting stomach motility. Abnormalities in gastric emptying can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, certain medications, viral infections, and surgical interventions. The results of a mavetømningsscintigrafi can guide treatment decisions, such as dietary modifications, medication adjustments, or other therapeutic interventions.