Review Article

Gastroparesis: Concepts, Controversies, and Challenges

Box 4

Current Knowledge
Hospitalizations due to gastroparesis seem to increase, raising questions about a
change in incidence and prevalence.
Diabetes and prior surgery are common identifiable causes of gastroparesis.
Emerging Trends
Changes in gastroparesis hospitalization are likely due to better disease recognition.
Idiopathic gastroparesis is the most common subgroup, accounting for about two-thirds
of the patients with this disorder.
Future Perspective
A subset of patients develops gastroparesis after apparently banal infections,
pointing at a role of immune-mediated processes in the development of
gastroparesis.
Central nervous system influences, mostly anxiety or depression, may play an
important role in the development and/or clinical manifestation of gastroparesis.