Gastric emptying in children: unusual patterns detected by scintigraphy

The time-activity curve of gastric emptying of milk was evaluated in 49 infants and children who were also being evaluated for gastrointestinal reflux. After oral ingestion of technetium-99m sulfur colloid in a milk formula, the normal 1 hr time-activity curve and normal values for percentage of gastric emptying in 1 hr were determined. Normal gastric emptying in infants was 48% (+/- 16%) and in children 51% (+/- 7%). Unusual emptying patterns were observed when an overlying duodenum was present, making accurate estimation of gastric emptying difficult. Three children with gastric outlet obstruction showed similar delayed plateau emptying patterns.