GASTRIC-EMPTYING TIME IN CHILDREN WITH PROGRESSIVE MUSCULAR-DYSTROPHY

Gastric emptying was evaluated in 11 male children (mean age 82 +/- 3. 2 years) with progressive muscular dystrophy to detect gastrointestina l smooth muscle involvement No patient had gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastric emptying studies were performed by using 500 mu Ci ct techneti un 99m sulfur colloid bound to a scrambled egg,and scintigraphic measu rements were taken continuously for 60 to 90 minutes The gastric empty ing studies wan compared with those of eight male children (mean age 8 .2 +/- 2.8 years) without gastrointestinal or muscular disorders The m ean percentage of retention of gastric isotope was significantly great er in the study group than in the control group. These data suggest th at dysfunction of the smooth muscle of the upper gastrointestinal trac t is detectable in children with progressive muscular dystrophy, even when gastrointestinal symptoms are absent.