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Gastroparesis in myotonic dystrophy 1.
Carl-Albrecht Haensch1, J Wehe, A Jigalin
1Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal, University of Witten/Herdecke, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany. carl-albrecht.haensch@helios-kliniken.de
Summary
Clinicians should suspect delayed gastric emptying in myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients with severe upper gut issues. While radionuclide studies can measure gastric emptying time, they are not commonly used in practice.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem disorder.
- Upper gut dysmotility is a common complication in DM1.
- Severe symptoms necessitate thorough evaluation.
Observation:
- Patients with DM1 and severe upper gut dysmotility symptoms were evaluated.
- The role of impaired gastric emptying was considered.
Findings:
- Impaired gastric emptying is a key consideration for clinicians managing DM1 patients with severe upper gut dysmotility.
- Radionuclide studies for gastric emptying time are informative but infrequently utilized in clinical settings.
Implications:
- This highlights a potential diagnostic gap in DM1 patient care.
- Further research may explore more accessible methods for assessing gastric emptying in DM1.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication and consider appropriate investigations.
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