Human gastric perfusion: Evidence for non‐uniformity of blood flow

Post‐mortem injection studies have demonstrated marked differences in the course and distribution of arterioles in the stomach, but evidence of differential perfusion in man is lacking. Using the non‐invasive laser Doppler technique, we studied 38 patients referred for gastroscopy for dyspeptic symptoms. Flux measurements were made at nine sites: distal oesophagus, cardia, mid‐body and antrum on lesser and greater curves, and pre‐ and post‐pylorus. In all cases the stomach was macroscopically normal. Flux in the proximal stomach was significantly greater than that in the antrum, (P < 0.001, Student's t test). This in vivo study demonstrates a flow gradient related to the previously demonstrated anatomical differences.