Gastric Emptying Scans: Poor Adherence to National Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Medical imaging protocols

Background:

• Accurate gastroparesis diagnosis depends on correct gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) performance.
• Established protocol guidelines exist, but adherence levels are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess national compliance with established GES protocol guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was developed covering key GES protocol measures.
• The survey addressed patient information, preparation, procedure, meal, imaging, interpretation, reporting, and institutional data.
• An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to Society of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (SNMMI) members and newsletter recipients.

Main Results:

• 121 of 872 institutions responded (13.9%).
• Institutions performed an average of 64% of protocol measures correctly.
• Only 4.5% of institutions adhered to three critical measures: validated study duration, controlled blood glucose, and proper medication restriction.

Conclusions:

• Low compliance with GES protocol guidelines is prevalent, even in academic centers.
• This non-adherence may result in misdiagnosis and improper management of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Increased awareness and adherence to gastric scintigraphy protocol guidelines are necessary.