Gastrointestinal system

Radionuclide methods are ideally suited for evaluation of gastrointestinal disease because of the functional nature of the methodology. Many gastrointestinal radionuclide tests have stood the test of time. For decades, the gastric emptying study has been the gold standard for quantification of gastric motility. Motility studies of the esophagus and intestinal tract, although less commonly requested, provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic information at many centers. The gastrointestinal bleeding study can noninvasively localize a site of active hemorrhage and guides specific intervention and therapy. Meckel's scan can detect ectopic gastric mucosa as a cause of rectal bleeding in children, and radionuclide methods confirm gastroesophageal reflux with high sensitivity, particularly in neonates and young children.