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Gastroparesis

Case contributed by Michael P Hartung
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Abdominal distension.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male

Presentation

ct

Stomach massively distended with fluid and air, filling the abdominal cavity. No cause for gastric obstruction. 

Nasogastric tube placement

x-ray

Nasogastric tube in good position. 

Stomach massively distended, could be at first mistaken for pneumoperitoneum. 

Case Discussion

Patient with chronic illness (including diabetes) and recurrent gastroparesis. Stomach appeared normal just a few weeks previously (not shown), but he had a history of recurrent events such as this. Without such a supporting history, a malignant obstruction would be a greater concern. This case illustrates how dramatically the stomach can distend and fill the entire abdominal cavity. 

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