Intragastric balloon for morbid obesity causing chronic gastric dilatation

We describe the radiographic findings observed in a morbidly obese and diab etic patient with an intragastric air-filled balloon introduced as a therap eutic measure to reduce food intake. The balloon was associated with chroni c gastric dilatation and had to be removed 3 months after insertion. Howeve r, together with diet and behavioural therapy, it proved effective in reduc ing body weight and ameliorating glycaemic control. Although rarely used, i ntragastric balloons for the treatment of morbid obesity are still encounte red in radiological practice. Radiologists must be able to recognize them a nd to understand their complications.