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Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten produces damage in the small intestine. The treatment accepted until now is a strict gluten free diet. This implies the need for novel or adjuvant treatments, in addition to the standard of care. The present study aimed to assess the effect of gold nanoparticles phytosynthesized with Cornus mas extract (AuCM) compared to Cornus mas extract (CM) and luteolin (LT) on Caco-2 cells, exposed or not to gliadin. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the characterization of AuCM. Measured cellular outcomes included oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde level, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities), inflammatory response and cellular signaling and transcription factors involved in apoptosis (NFkB, pNFkB, NOS2, TNF-a, TRAIL, Bax, Bcl-2, p53). The internalization of gold nanoparticles in cells was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The gliadin administration induced oxidative stress, improved the activity of antioxidants enzymes, increased NOS2 and NFkB expressions and reduced pNFkB/NFkB ratio. In addition, gliadin enhanced TRAIL and Bcl-2 levels and reduced p53 expression in Caco-2 cells. The pretreatment with AuCM, CM extract and LT diminished oxidative stress and reduced NOS2 activity. AuCM and CM treatment amplified the expression of p53 and pNFkB/NFkB ratio and diminished Bcl-2, NFkB and pNFkB, especially AuCM. The results obtained confirmed that AuCM mitigate some of gliadin effects on Caco-2 cells through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic condition of autoimmune origin, affecting genetically predisposed individuals who at some point lose tolerance towards dietary gluten. Prevalence in the general population is 0.5 - 1%, with a higher frequency in women. The most important environmental factor for CD is ingestion of specific gluten peptides. It triggers a sequence of molecular events, involving the intestinal permeability and the immune system, which ends in damage of the intestinal mucosa. A number of studies have demonstrated the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and celiac disease. MicroRNAs through their regulatory role on gene expression have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CD and suggested as potential biomarkers. In the pediatric and adult population, CD displays different clusters of clinical symptoms. Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and involuntary weight loss are the classic symptoms of CD. In the majority of cases diagnosis relies on the combination of serum autoantibodies (anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomisium IgA) and duodenal biopsy showing villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Observance of a lifelong gluten-free diet, which interrupts the immune response to gluten peptides, is the only effective treatment of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The infection with Clostridium difficile has increased in incidence worldwide and it raises many problems with regard to therapy, resistance to treatment and especially recurrence. Recurrence is frequent in patients treated for Clostridium difficile infection, requiring vancomycin by mouth, with limited alternatives. The literature shows that one of the most efficient treatment methods in Clostridium difficile infection is the transplantation of gut microbiota, also known as fecal microbiota transplantation. Aim: We present our results following FMT performed in patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, and propose a simple and effective protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation. Study design: The study was prospective. The phases of the FMT procedure: assessment of patient eligibility, patient’s consent, identification and screening of donors, discontinuation of antibiotics (vancomycin, metronidazole) 3 days prior to the procedure. Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, FMT was performed in 30 patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, by direct infusion of extensively processed donor fecal matter via colonoscopy. We followed up the patients for 12 months. Results: Immediate post-transplantation outcome in what concerns stool frequency during the follow-up period (7 days) was encouraging in 93.33% of patients. The donors were healthy individuals (53% 1st degree relatives), previously screened for possible infections and infestations. This result was sustained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Post-transplantation recurrence occurred in 6.67% (2 patients), which responded well to treatment and did not require a new vancomycin course. Conclusions: Fecal microbiota transplantation via colonoscopy is effective, safe, easy to perform, it yields lasting results and is therefore a good option for recurrent or treatment-resistant Clostridium difficile infection.

Background and Objectives : Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy with characteristic intestinal alterations. CD occurs as a chronic inflammation secondary to gluten sensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals. Until now, the exact cause of the disease has not been established, which is why new studies have appeared that address the involvement of various genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis. The aim of the study is to describe the expression of selected genes (Wnt family member 3, WNT3 ; Wnt family member 11, WNT11 ; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα ; mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, MAPK1 ; AKT serine/threonine kinase 3, AKT3 ; phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha, PIK3CA ; and cyclin D1, CCND1 ) and miRNAs (miR-192-5p, miR-194-5p, miR-449a and miR-638) in adult patients with CD. Materials and Methods : In total, 15 patients with CD at diagnosis (newly diagnosed), 33 patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) for at least 1 year and 10 controls (control) were prospectively included. Blood samples were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results : The results show that TNFα , MAPK1 and CCND1 were significantly overexpressed ( p = 0.0249, p = 0.0019 and p = 0.0275, respectively) when comparing the newly diagnosed group to the controls. The other genes studied in CD patients were mostly with high values compared to controls, without reaching statistical significance. Among the miRNAs, the closest to a statistically significant value was miR-194-5p when the newly diagnosed group versus control ( p = 0.0510) and GFD group versus control ( p = 0.0671) were compared. The DIANA and miRNet databases identified significant functional activity for miR-449a and miR-192-5p and an interconnection of miR-194-5p and miR-449a with CCND1 . Conclusions : In conclusion, genes and circulating miRNAs require further studies as they could represent important biomarkers in clinical practice.

Background and Aims: Fecal microbiota transplantation is used with success in persistent (more than two episodes) Clostridium Difficile Infection; it has also gained importance and started to be used in inflammatory bowel disease. There are theoretical arguments that justify its use in ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Based on our clinical cases we tried to evaluate the indications of fecal microbiota transplantation young patients with ulcerative colitis and multiple relapses, in which biological or immunosuppressive treatment were ineffective., Methods: Five patients with moderate-severe ulcerative colitis or Clostridium Difficile infection who ceased to have a therapeutic response to biological therapy, were given fecal microbiota transplant as an alternative to biological therapy and/or immunosuppression. Fecal microbiota transplant was administered via colonoscopy using healthy donors from their family., Results: The results were favorable and spectacular in all patients and complete remission was achieved for at least 10 months. Clinical remission was achieved in all patients. Endoscopic appearance of ulcers in patients improved. In 2 patients the effect of the fecal microbiota transplant diminished after 10-12 months and the tendency to relapse appeared (3-4 stools/day, blood streaks present sometimes in the stool). Reintroduction of systemic therapy or immunosuppression demonstrated that patients regained the therapeutic response to these treatments, and remission was maintained., Conclusion: Fecal microbiota transplantation can be used as salvage therapy in patients refractory to biological therapy, as elective therapy in clostridium difficile infection or as an alternative therapy in young patients with multiple relapses who have reservations regarding biological or immunosuppressive treatment.

Splenic lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors occurring more frequently in children. Because of their asymptomatic growth, splenic lymphangiomas are usually suspected based on incidental findings, the diagnosis relying on different imaging techniques and requiring histological confirmation. The rarity of the disease and its atypical imaging findings make the diagnosis of splenic lymphangiomas challenging. We describe the case of an isolated splenic cystic lymphangioma affecting an elderly female patient. The patient was asymptomatic and the blood tests were normal. The tumor appeared on gray-scale ultrasound as an inhomogeneous, mostly hyperechoic septated mass, which is atypical for a cystic lymphangioma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography suggested the benign nature of the tumor and narrowed the diagnosis. The tumor received histopathological confirmation after splenectomy. Various CT and MRI findings in splenic lymphangiomas have been described, but very few reports regarding CEUS exist to this point.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT) are rare benign lesions that may often be mistaken for malignancies due to their imaging resemblance. There are a limited number of case reports in the literature on the location at the level of the gallbladder. We present a case of IMT of the gallbladder that emphasizes the importance of conventional ultrasound as the primary method of detection, as well as the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and strain elastography in describing the lesion, thus contributing to the differential diagnosis.

Aim: Enterobacterial translocation into the gut mucosa is the first step required for activation of neutrophils and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), involved in the pathogenesis of indomethacin-induced intestinal lesions. Rifaximin may limit NSAID-associated intestinal damage by decreasing the bacterial load. We aimed to study the effect of rifaximin on indomethacin-induced intestinal damage in guinea-pigs., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four guinea pigs, equally divided in four interventional groups (A-D), received indomethacin, given orally once daily (30 mg/kg) for three consecutive days. In groups B, C, D different doses of rifaximin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were given orally two hours before indometachin administration. Semi-quantitative grades were measure for gross findings, degenerative lesions, neutrophils and eosinophils infiltrates and iNOS immunopositivity. Statistical comparisons used Mann Whitney Test, with a Bonferroni correction for alpha (p ≤ 0.016)., Results: Statistical analysis of graded gross findings, microscopic degenerative lesions, endothelium damage and iNOS immunopositivity found no difference between A and B groups. Significant fewer gross findings (U = 3, p = 0.015), microscopic degenerative lesions (U = 2, p = 0.008) and lower grades for iNOS immunopositivity (U = 0, p = 0.002) were found in group C compared with group A. In group D, significant lower grades for iNOS immunopositivity were obtained (U = 0, p = 0.002) compared with group A and fewer degenerative lesions without reaching statistical significance (U = 4, p = 0.026)., Conclusions: 100 mg/kg of rifaximin proved efficient in preventing gut degenerative lesions induced by indomethacin in a guinea pig model, the iNOS activity being significantly decreased.

Splenic artery aneurysm is a rare condition with potential lethal complications. If associated with severe diseases, the diagnosis and management may be challenging. Usually, ultrasound examination is the first step in the diagnosis, and the specific ultrasound features suggest the diagnosis. When combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination, the accuracy of ultrasound increases and can therefore rule out some severe complications. We present the case of a patient hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis in whom the ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a high-risk splenic artery aneurysm. However, the treatment decisions were profoundly influenced by the liver disease complications.

Background & Aim: The Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is based on the results obtained in the setting of several cohort studies and randomized clinical trials. We have evaluated the applicability of the BCLC staging system and the effect of treatment allocation according to BCLC on the survival rate and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a tertiary center., Methods: Treatment indications for 473 patients referred to our center with the diagnosis of HCC were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were split in three groups: a group treated according to BCLC recommendation, an overtreated group and an undertreated group. The survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan Meier method and compared using the log-rank test., Results: Patients distribution according to BCLC staging system was: 17 patients (3.6%) in very early stage (O), 161 (34.0 %) in early (A), 140 (29.6%) in intermediate (B), 82 (17.3%) in advanced (C) and 73 patients (15.4%) in terminal stage (D). Only 275 patients (58.1%) from stage 0, A-D were treated according to BCLC. The mean survival rate in stage 0 and A was higher for patients receiving curative treatment in comparison with undertreated patients (41 vs 28 months, p< 0.05). Overtreated patients in stage B or C had a better survival than patients treated according to BCLC (25 months vs 21 months, p=0.973, and 28 months vs 4 months, p=0.308, respectively), without statistical significance. Patients in stage B and C treated according to BCLC recommendations had a better survival than those undertreated (21 months vs 13 months, p=0.002, and 4 vs 3 months, p=0.036, respectively)., Conclusions: Deviations from BCLC recommendations occur in 40% of patients with HCC. Undertreatment results in a decreased survival of patients diagnosed with HCC. Overtreated BCLC-B and C patients have an increased survival in comparison with those treated with standard therapy.

Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a relatively common situation, in the large majority of cases being followed by an unobserved passing of the objects through the digestive tract and their elimination in about a week. We present a patient with liver actinomycosis developed in relation with a gastric (antral) perforation secondary to accidental foreign body ingestion. The complexity of the case raised many problems concerning the imaging diagnosis, especially due to the pseudotumoral aspect of the liver lesion, which extensively involved the retroperitoneal area, the stomach and the pancreas. However, the presence of an image suggesting a foreign body into the gastric wall, in correlation with clinical, biological, morphological and imaging studies solved the case.

Intestinal malrotation is a rare pathological situation consisting of non-rotation or incomplete rotation of the primitive intestine. Due to the abnormal caecal position inflicted by malrotation, diagnosis of acute appendicitis is difficult. Ultrasonography (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) are relevant and complementary imaging techniques for establishing an otherwise elusive diagnosis. We present the case of 54 year old male presenting with nonspecific abdominal complaints in which US (standard and contrast enhanced) and CT scans identified acute appendicitis associated with malrotated caecum and ascending colon, located in the left hipocondrum.

Helicobacter Pylori is considered to be the agent responsible for peptic ulcers and gastritis, and its eradication represents a main objective in the treatment of digestive diseases. We present the case report of a female patient diagnosed with chronic Helicobacter Pylori infection, where symptoms manifested after the patient was raped. In the context of psychological trauma, digestive manifestations such as ulcer and gastritis were identified, greatly exacerbated as compared with the endoscopic and histological aspect of the gastric mucosa. The patient simultaneously developed a complex psychiatric pathology. The association between Helicobacter Pylori chronic gastritis, somatization and trauma is discussed.

Background and Aims: Alkaline reflux esophagitis is a complication that might develop in patients with total gastrectomy. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and severity of reflux esophagitis and the occurence of complications (Barrett's esophagus and esophageal stenosis) in patients with total gastrectomy and Roux en Y esojejunostomy., Methods: 92 patients with total gastrectomy performed for gastric cancer were included in the study. None of the patients had esophagitis prior to gastrectomy. The patients were assessed clinically and endoscopically after a certain interval from surgery., Results: An important number of patients (14 out of 92, 15.22%) had reflux esophagitis; 5.43% of the patients had also complications of reflux esophagitis (Barrett's esophagus and benign esophageal stenosis) and 6.52% had local tumor recurrence. Of the 14 patients with reflux esophagitis, the majority (9/14) had Los Angeles (LA) grade C esophagitis. The mean interval between surgery and the endoscopic evaluation was 4.43 years. Barrett's esophagus and benign stenosis were diagnosed after a longer period of time (10.33 and 8 years, respectively) as compared to reflux esophagitis (5.29 years). More than half of the esophagitis patients had reflux symptoms., Conclusions: Although Roux en Y esojejunostomy is a reconstructive technique which prevents the reflux, an important percentage of our patients developed alkaline reflux esophagitis. In most cases, the esophagitis was moderate or severe. Complications of alkaline reflux, i.e. benign stenosis and Barrett's esophagus, also occurred after longer periods of time (8 to 10 years) in a small percentage of patients.

We present the case of a female patient diagnosed with colonic Crohn's disease, having a clinical evolution with many recurrences and in whom conventional therapy had failed. The patient was admitted in our department 4 years after the onset of the disease, with an altered general state, diarrhea, malnutrition, fever and fecaloid vaginal discharge. Investigations classified the patient in a severe activity flare of Crohn's disease (CDAI 329), complicated with a rectovaginal fistula. Infliximab therapy was initiated. The evolution was rapidly favorable and the fistula closed after 4 weeks of therapy.

The authors proposed to assess the prevalence of anti-Hp antibodies (IgG class) in patients with ischemic heart disease. The study included 93 patients distributed into two groups: a) group A--61 patients with ischemic heart disease; b) group B--32 controls. The Hp infection diagnosis was established by determination of the Hp antibodies in the peripheral blood. Hp infection was correlated with the following factors: (a) smoking, alcohol consumption, antiinflammatory drugs intake and water source; (b) biological parameters (fibrinogen, alpha1-globulins, cholesterol, triglycerides, thrombocyte count). In the patients with ischemic heart disease the prevalence of the Hp infection was 78.3%, and in controls 56.2% (p<0.05). The patients consuming alcohol and smoking had a significantly higher prevalence than controls. Antiinflammatory drugs and water source did not influence the prevalence of the Hp infection. Among the biological parameters, fibrinogen and alpha1 globulins were significantly increased in the Hp-positive patients with ischemic heart disease. In conclusion, the serum prevalence of anti-Hp antibodies was higher in the patients with ischemic heart disease, smokers and alcohol consumers than in health individuals.

The paper reports the clinical case of a 58 -year-old male patient admitted for diarrhea (6-7 stools/day, diffuse abdominal pain, borborygma, weight loss (20 kgs in two years), asthenia and fatigue. Physical examination evidenced a poor nutritional state (body mass index 19 kg/m2). The abdomen was slightly distended. Biological tests evidenced moderate/severe anemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Endoscopic examination evidenced oedematous duodenal mucosa with white-yellowish deposits. Histology (HE stain) revealed the presence of foamy cells and the PAS-staining of the duodenal mucosa evidenced PAS-positive macrophages and numerous intracellular bacilli. Penicillin therapy 2 x 1 million U/day for 14 days, followed by tetracycline 4 x 250 mg/day improved the clinical picture, the patient had only one stool per day and gained weight. After 7 months of treatment the general condition was good and the patient had gained 17 kgs, the duodenal mucosa was normal. HE staining did not evidence foamy cells and no PAS-positive macrophages could be found.

The evacuation time (T1/2) of the stomach was determined in the patients with partial gastric resection by a sequential computerized scintigraphic method. The effect of Salbutamol and Dopamine was followed on T1/2 and the scintigraphic surface of the stomach (appreciated indirectly by measuring the longitudinal and transversal diameters). Salbutamol prolongs significantly T1/2, from 6.41 +/- 2.72 minutes to 12.33 +/- 6.45 minutes. The scintigraphic surface of the resected stomach is not slightly modified by Salbutamol. Dopamine prolongs very much T1/2, from 13.00 +/- 4.01 minutes to 75.03 +/- 24.36 minutes, in parallel with the increase of the scintigraphic image of the stomach. Our investigations lead to the conclusion that Salbutamol, given per os, may become a new therapeutic mean in the dumping syndrome.

In 39 patients the following were assessed: gastric acid secretion (mmol/hour), gastric juice volume (ml/hour), glycemia (mg%), and in 10 of them also pepsinogen I serum concentration (ng/ml). All these parameters were determined in basal conditions and after administration of glucagon. Glucagon induced achlorhydria in 33.3% of the patients, hypochlorhydria in 33.3%, did not influence HCl in 12.8%, and hyperchlorhydria in 20.5%. The gastric juice volume changed in parallel with chlorhydria. The HCl secretion did not correlate with the glycemia levels. Pepsinogen I was not significantly influenced by glucagon. It may be concluded that glucagon had a two-fold action on HCl secretion: (a) in two thirds of the patients studied it induced hypo- or achlorhydria; (b) in about 20% it induced hyperchlorhydria.

The biochemical changes induced in the gastric juice by the presence of Campylobacter pylori (CP) were followed up in 151 patients with various gastric and duodenal diseases. The diagnosis of CP infection was made by the urease test. In the presence of CP urea decreased in the gastric juice and ammonia increased. The sialic acid, fucose and hexoses, glucide components of the mucus glycoproteins dissolved in the gastric juice, underwent no change in the presence of CP. The hexosamines in the gastric mucus increased significantly in CP patients. Urease activity is present in the gastric juice even in the absence of CP, probably due to other microorganisms present in the human stomach. This does not exclude the use of the urease test for the diagnosis of CP infection. However the test can only be used in the bioptically removed gastric mucosa samples, not in the gastric juice.

The incidence of the Helicobacter-like organisms (HLO) was investigated on biopsy specimens of antral gastric mucosa, stained by the Wayson technique, in 509 patients with various gastric and duodenal diseases. The incidence of HLO was: 72.8 percent in gastric ulcer, 69.6 percent in duodenal ulcer, 69.2 percent in bulbitis, 61.0. percent in chronic gastritis, 37.5 percent in the postoperative stomach, 50 percent in gastric cancer, and 34.3 percent on healthy controls. The HLO were present over the whole year, with a peak in March. Sex and age had little influence on the HLO incidence. The Wayson staining technique proved to be a good technique of detection of HLO on gastric mucosa smears.

Investigations were carried out on duodeno- and jejunogastric reflux, gastric juice acidity, microbial population and the concentration of nitrites in 199 subjects. In gastric cancer patients or those with gastric ulcer, chronic atrophic gastritis, stomach resection or more seldom with removal of the gallbladder, a significant increase over normal values of the pH, duodenogastric reflux, microbial flora contamination (especially intestinal) and nitrite concentration was found. In smokers the salivary nitrite concentration was greater than in non-smokers and in direct relationship to gastric concentrations. The parallelism of these alterations suggests a causative relation between them and their presence in diseases or conditions of notorious increased incidence in gastric cancer highlights the direction to be followed in the primary prophylaxis of this disease.

The gastric mucosa blood flow was investigated using the 99mTc clearance. Besides the clearance the "R" ratio, total radioactivity of the gastric juice and the volume of gastric juice (ml/15 min) were also investigated. The main characteristics of the method are its reproducibility and the parallelism existing between: clearance, the "R" ratio and total radioactivity. The parameters investigated reach a maximum 30-45 min after administration of 99mTc; consequently, to evaluate gastric blood flow, it is sufficient to determine the parameters at this time interval. The 99mTc clearance represents an accessible method for the evaluation blood circulation in the gastric mucosa.

The present paper analyses, in correlation with histologic lesions, the incidence of infection with Campylobacter pylori (CP) in patients with chronic gastritis, operated stomach, gastric neoplasm and healthy subjects. In chronic gastritis, incidence of infection with CP is 71.6%, significantly increased in comparison with the controls, in whom the positive percentage is 37.5. The most of the patients in this group suffered from superficial chronic gastritis. In the group with operated stomach, the CP infection included 48% of the patients studied; all had superficial chronic gastritis. In gastric cancer, CP bacteria appeared in 50% of cases. CP may represent a pathogenetic ring that starts the gastric process.

The incidence of infection with Campylobacter pylori (CP) in gastric ulcer (GU) and duodenal ulcer (DU) and its correlation with the gastritis lesions associated to the two diseases, was investigated. In GU the incidence of CP infection was 76.3%, close to that in DU (71.4), but different from controls (33.3%). Chronic gastritis associated to gastric or duodenal ulcer is of variable severity, CP infection being the more often encountered the higher the severity of gastritis. Presence of CP was also observed in 75% of the cases associated also with intestinal metaplasia from UG. The diameter of CP-positive GU was significantly increased as compared with that in CP-negative GU. Type I GU was associated with CP infection in 81.8% of the cases. The results obtained allowed the conclusion that in GU and DU the incidence of CP infection is significantly higher as compared with that in controls but the pathogenetic relationship ulcer-bacterium is not yet elucidated.

Propranolol induces basal achlorhydria in 30.7% of the patients, decreases significantly the HCl secretion in 42.3%, does not change it in 25% and increases it in 1.9%. After histamine stimulation (Kay test) propranolol decreases HCl in 57% and increases it in 43% of the cases. Propranolol induces a significant decrease of carbon anhydrase in the gastric mucosa. Serum gastrin is not significantly decreased after propranolol treatment. Isoprenaline increases the HCl secretion in all the patients investigated. Propranolol suppresses the effect of isoprenaline in 28.6% of the cases, decreases it in 33%, does not change it in 19% and increases it in 19%. The action of isoprenaline is not influenced by atropine, so the mechanism of action of the beta agonist is non-cholinergic. The gastric juice volume is not changed significantly by the blockage or stimulation of beta receptors. The beta adrenergic nervous system stimulates HCl secretion.

The radioisotopic measurement of gastric emptying offers information about an aspect of gastric motility. A procedure performed in our laboratory is presented. It is based on the ingestion of 500 ml saline including 1 mCi (3.7 MBq)113m In-DTPA or 99Tc-DTPA. The subject is placed in a half-supine position. Radioactive counts of the tracer are collected with a gammacamera and processed with a microcomputer, using a special program. This offers the histograms of the whole stomach and of the regions of interest (proximal and distal stomach), and also the half-time of these curves. Normal values range between 8-25 min for each curve half-time. The method has applications in physiology, pharmacology and clinical diagnosis.