What is a cisternogram and what is it used for?
A cisternogram is a test used to look for problems in the way your cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates. CSF is the fluid that flows through the subarachnoid space (space that surrounds your brain and spinal cord). This test is also known as a nuclear medicine scan, CSF flow scan, intrathecal scan, and RHISA scan.
How is a cisternogram performed?
This is done by inserting a thin needle in your lower back into the subarachnoid space filled with the radiopharmaceutical tracer. The tracer travels with the flow of the CSF. Two to six hours later, you will be scanned. Many pictures are taken during the scan to show how the tracer flows with the CSF.
What is a NM cisternogram?
Cisternogram – Nuclear Medicine. A cisternogram uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to demonstrate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Indications for a cisternogram might be to determine if a patient may have a form of non-communicating hydrocephalus or to localize the presence of a CSF leak.
What radiopharmaceutical is used for a cisternogram?
The patient’s spinal fluid is injected with a radiopharmaceutical tracer, such as DTPA tagged with indium 111, through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)….
| Radionuclide cisternogram | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | determine if there is abnormal CSF flow within the brain |
Is a cisternogram painful?
What will I feel, will it hurt? You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the doctor numbs the skin where the spinal needle will be placed. You will feel some pressure as the spinal needle is placed into the spinal canal.
Is a CT cisternogram painful?
What is a Pledget study?
A pledget study involves placing small cotton pads (called “pledgets”) into the nose. This test is used to confirm the presence of a CSF leak, although it cannot determine the exact location of the leak. To determine the exact location of the leak, a CT cisternogram would be performed.
Why is lumbar puncture done?
A lumbar puncture can help diagnose serious infections, such as meningitis; other disorders of the central nervous system, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis; or cancers of the brain or spinal cord.
Is a cisternogram safe?
Complications after a cisternogram are rare, but potential risks include: Allergic reactions to the radioactive substance or anesthesia. Brainstem herniation (pressure inside the skull moves brain tissue). Hemorrhage (bleeding) in the brain or spine.
How do you test for brain fluid leak?
CT myelography. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and locating CSF leaks. It uses a CT scan and a contrast dye to locate CSF leaks anywhere in the skull base. It provides the most precise location of a CSF leak and helps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Is a Cisternogram painful?
Does a cisternogram scan hurt? You might feel some stinging or discomfort during the injection of local anesthetic. When the needle goes into your spine, you may notice some pressure but shouldn’t feel any pain. The imaging scans are painless.