Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
Abdominal Morphologic Changes in MRI during Gastric Balloon Therapy
Rebecca Keßler1, Anne Glitsch2, Björn Hübner2
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
Gastric balloon therapy effectively reduces body fat and liver volume, but also leads to significant muscle mass loss. This reversible endoscopic method aids weight reduction when other options fail.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric Endoscopy
- Medical Imaging
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Rising rates of obesity in industrialized nations necessitate effective weight management strategies.
- Gastric balloon therapy offers a safe, reversible endoscopic alternative for patients unsuitable for or delaying surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in abdominal fat compartments, liver lobe volume, and muscle mass during gastric balloon therapy.
- To assess gastric balloon fill volume and performance throughout treatment.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to quantify abdominal fat depots (subcutaneous, visceral, renal capsule).
- Measurement of left liver lobe volume and psoas muscle area.
- Analysis of gastric balloon fill volume and stability.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions observed in subcutaneous fat, renal capsule fat, and intra-abdominal fat.
- A decrease in left liver lobe volume and psoas muscle area (muscle loss) was noted.
- Gastric balloon volume remained stable, with variable gas bubble presence.
Conclusions:
- Gastric balloon therapy is a successful temporary option for weight reduction, decreasing body fat and liver volume.
- The therapy also results in a loss of muscle mass, a critical consideration for patient management.
Related Concept Videos
Gastric Emptying
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Gastric Phase of Digestion
When food enters the stomach, it stretches the stomach walls and activates stretch receptors. This triggers local reflexes of the enteric nervous system, mediated through the myenteric plexus. These...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...

