Abnormal distribution of a fatty liquid test meal within the stomach of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of a nutrient-rich meal in the stomach during emptying in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. As gastric emptying is delayed in a number of these patients, we hoped to gain information about fundal or antral motility abnormalities. Design and methods: The intragastric distribution of a bland and a fatty liquid test meal and the rate of gastric emptying were investigated using scintigraphy in 30 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and 20 age-matched controls. The proportion of the meal in the proximal and distal stomach was determined during the lag period (before the onset of emptying) and during emptying. The results were analysed without the identity or status of the subject being known. Results: In control subjects, approximately three times as much of the fatty test meal was found in the proximal than in the distal stomach during the lag period and during emptying. In the group of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia, significantly less of the fatty test meal was found in the proximal stomach during emptying and the time taken for half the meal to empty was significantly delayed. The bland soup was more evenly distributed in the stomach than the fatty soup and the rate of emptying and the distribution was similar in both the control and non-ulcer dyspepsia patient groups. Conclusion: Patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia show abnormal distribution of a fatty liquid test meal during gastric emptying.