How is gastroparesis typically diagnosed?

Gastroparesis is primarily diagnosed through a gastric emptying study, which measures the time it takes for food to leave the stomach and enter the small intestine. This test often involves the patient ingesting a small amount of food that contains a radioactive material or is marked in some way so it can be tracked. By evaluating the imaging results over a specific period, healthcare providers can determine if the stomach is emptying at a normal rate or if there is a significant delay, which is indicative of gastroparesis.

In contrast, endoscopy is typically used to visually assess the stomach's lining and obtain biopsies if necessary, but it does not specifically measure gastric motility. Similarly, while ultrasound can provide information about the anatomy and some functional aspects of the digestive system, it does not directly assess gastric emptying. A CT scan is useful in evaluating abdominal conditions and can show structural abnormalities, but it is not suitable for diagnosing motility disorders like gastroparesis. Therefore, the gastric emptying study remains the gold standard for accurately diagnosing this condition.