The relationship between gastric emptying and the postprandial exocrine pancreatic function measured by 11C-methionine PET-CT.

Background: As previously shown, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) results in accelerated gastric emptying and enhanced release of the incretin hormone GLP-1 which also constrains the exocrine pancreas for which the uptake of 11C-methionine is an established marker. To assess possible effects of PD on the exocrine function of the pancreatic remnant the postprandial uptake of 11C-methionine was measured by PET-CT in patients who have undergone PD and in healthy controls. Subjects and methods: 18 tumor free survivors after PD and 10 healthy controls were given a mixed test meal. 1 g of paracetamol was ingested with the…