Sonographic observations of the gastroduodenal junction in neonatal piglets

Knowledge of the function of the gastroduodenal junction is important, as c hanges in its motility are associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Sono graphic observations were made of the stomach and duodenum of 19 neonatal p iglets, 2-6 d of age. Contractions of the stomach and duodenum were identif ied clearly; the overall rate of gastric contractions was about 4 min(-1). The percentage of contractions in which there was a closure of the terminal pyloric antrum and pyloric canal varied, being 57.2% +/- 4.6% in the first postprandial hour and 43.1% +/- 3.0% in the third. Antegrade flow of diges ta principally occurred preceding a closure of the pyloric antrum and canal . During contractions of the pyloric antrum, the torus pyloricus moved caud ally to fill the lumen of the pyloric canal, Our sonographic method provide d a noninvasive technique for studying the form and function of gastroduode nal motility in the neonate, suitable for investigating factors that alter gastric emptying. (C) 1998 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Bi ology.