MRI Brain and Stomach Imaging for Gastroparesis

This trial examines how MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can reveal the connection between the stomach and the brain, especially in individuals with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach cannot empty properly, causing symptoms like nausea and early satiety. The trial includes two groups: one with gastroparesis patients, including those with type 1 diabetes or nerve damage, and a second group of healthy volunteers for comparison. Healthy individuals with no history of stomach issues or major surgeries may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance the understanding and treatment of gastroparesis.

The trial excludes participants who are taking medications that can affect GI motility, such as opiates, metoclopramide, dopamine agonists, and anticholinergics. If you are on these medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.

Research shows that MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are generally safe and easy to manage. Studies have found that MRI can effectively assess stomach functions, such as emptying and movement, without invasive procedures. This technology aids in understanding stomach functions in both healthy individuals and those with conditions like gastroparesis, which slows or stops food movement from the stomach to the small intestine.

MRI scans do not use radiation, enhancing their safety. Reports of serious side effects from MRI scans are rare. However, some people might feel uncomfortable or anxious inside the MRI machine due to its enclosed space and loud noises. This feeling is common and not specific to research settings.

Researchers are excited about this MRI imaging technique for gastroparesis because it offers a non-invasive way to understand the condition better. Unlike standard treatments like dietary changes, medications, or surgical interventions that focus on symptom relief, this MRI approach aims to provide detailed images of the brain and stomach. By capturing these images, researchers hope to uncover new insights into how gastroparesis develops, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes or those with vagus nerve trauma. This could lead to more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

Research has shown that MRI scans can effectively track stomach movement and emptying. In this trial, participants with gastroparesis, due to either type 1 diabetes or vagus nerve trauma, will undergo MRI scans to assess stomach emptying. Healthy volunteers will also be scanned as controls. For people with gastroparesis, the stomach often takes longer to empty compared to those without the condition. One study found that MRI can clearly show these differences, aiding doctors in understanding and monitoring the condition. Another study highlighted that MRI is a reliable and non-invasive method to observe how the stomach empties food. These findings suggest that MRI might be useful for better diagnosing and understanding gastroparesis.¹³⁶⁷⁸