Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Diagnosing CVS involves ruling out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history, family medical history, and your pattern of vomiting and nausea.

You’ll need a physical exam and (likely) several tests.

What tests do providers use to diagnose CVS?

There isn’t a single test to diagnose CVS. Instead, your provider may order several tests to exclude other conditions that cause vomiting. Tests include:

• Lab tests (blood and urine tests): Lab tests check body fluids for signs of metabolic disorders, mitochondrial disease or problems with your organs that can cause CVS symptoms.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests can reveal issues with organs in your digestive and nervous systems that cause vomiting. You may need an abdominal ultrasound, a brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computed tomography scan) or X-rays called an upper GI series. You may need a gastric emptying test to see how food moves through your digestive system.
• Upper endoscopy: This test can show problems in your esophagus, stomach or small intestine that may be causing your vomiting episodes.

What conditions can be mistaken for cyclic vomiting syndrome?

A CVS diagnosis involves ruling out common conditions that cause vomiting, including infections, acid reflux (GERD) and stomach ulcers. Your provider may also need to exclude:

• Inflammation: Swelling and irritation in your stomach (gastritis), pancreas (pancreatitis) or appendix (appendicitis).
• Volvulus or malrotation: Twisting of your intestine.
• Ureteropelvic (UPJ) obstruction: A blockage where your kidney attaches to your bladder.
• Metabolic disorders: Conditions that involve problems with how your body turns food into energy.