Idiopathic Gastroparesis

Abstract

Gastroparesis is a disorder characterized by a delay in gastric emptying of a meal in the absence of a mechanical gastric outlet obstruction. The most common etiologies include diabetes, postsurgical and idiopathic. Idiopathic Gastroparesis is at least as common as diabetic Gastroparesis in most case series. Diagnosis of Gastroparesis is based on the presence of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, postprandial abdominal fullness, and on an objectively determined delay in gastric emptying. The true prevalence of Gastroparesis is unknown. Gastric emptying can be assessed by scintigraphy and stable isotope breath tests. Management of Gastroparesis consists of dietary and lifestyle measures, possible pharmacological interventions (prokinetics, antiemetics, intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection) and/or interventions that focus on adequate nutrient intake either through a nasoduodenal tube, percutaneous gastrostomy, or jejunostomy. New advances in drug therapy and gastric electrical stimulation techniques have been introduced and might provide new hope to patients. Presented here is an interesting case of idiopathic Gastroparesis along with its management and review of the literature.