TY - JOUR T1 - Gastric emptying and aspiration evaluation in post-lung transplant patients JF - Journal of Nuclear Medicine JO - J Nucl Med SP - 2010 LP - 2010 VL - 62 IS - supplement 1 AU - Harry Schroeder Y1 - 2021/05/01 UR - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/62/supplement_1/2010.abstract N2 - 2010Objectives: Gastroparesis is a significant potential complication after lung transplantation, as it may lead to lung injury and eventual allograft failure through a process of gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration. We provide an exhibit to inform the reader about the clinical importance of evaluating this patient population and review the nuclear medicine study protocol used at our institution that is straightforward and tailored to specifically evaluate this group of patients. Methods: In this unique post-lung transplant population in the immediate postoperative period, these patients are best served by a study that takes into account the logistics that are involved in order to obtain an assessment. We provide a literature review of the incidence of delayed gastric emptying after lung transplantation, the mechanisms of its appearance/worsening after transplantation, and the clinical implications for the patient. We demonstrate the imaging protocol and dictation template that we utilize at our institution to provide the clinical data requested by our transplant team. Results: In admitted patients who have just undergone lung transplantation, it is more feasible to perform the less common 90 minute dynamic oatmeal study as opposed to the well known 4 hour protocol with serial static images after ingestion of the standard meal. For example, the latter option often requires more repositioning steps for a patient who is dealing with a postoperative recovery and is covered with lines and tubes. Importantly, at our institution, once the patient has rested for 24 hours during the same hospital stay, we have the patient return for quick additional static imaging of the chest to exclude the presence of any significant aspiration. Conclusions: Lung transplantation can be associated with immediate distinct negative outcomes, an important one of which is delayed gastric emptying due to its potential to negatively affect lung allograft function and survival. Nuclear medicine is well suited to provide our transplant colleagues with important information on the state of the gastric motility in this patient population and verify a lack of significant aspiration using a protocol that is well tolerated by these patients. ER -