Radionuclide cisternogram

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lumbar puncture

Overview

Risks

Results

Radionuclide cisternogram

Definition:

A radionuclide cisternogram is a nuclear scan test used to diagnose spinal fluid circulation problems.

Alternative Names:

Intrathecal scan; Spinal cord scan; CSF flow scan; Cisternogram

How the test is performed:

First, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed. Small amounts of radioactive material, called a radioisotope, are then injected into the cerebrospinal fluid at the lower spine.

You will be scanned 4 - 6 hours later. Medical scanners (such as an MRI or CT ) are used to see how much radiation is given off by the injected materials. The scanners create images that show how the radioactive materials travel with the cerebrospinal fluid through the spine, and if the fluid leaks outside the spine. There will be a series of scans, usually at 4 - 6 hours after injection, again at 24 hours after injection, and possibly again at 48 and 72 hours after injection.

You should lie flat after the lumbar puncture (to help prevent headache from the lumbar puncture). No other special care is usually necessary.

How to prepare for the test:

No preparation is usually necessary. However, if you are very anxious or agitated, sedation may be necessary. You must sign a consent form. You will wear a hospital gown to make the spine more accessible. Remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.

How the test will feel:

During lumbar puncture, the lower back over the spine is numbed with an anesthetic. However, many people find lumbar puncture somewhat uncomfortable, usually because of the pressure on the spine during insertion of the needle.

The scan is painless, although the table may be cold or hard. No discomfort is produced by the radioisotope or the scanner.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to detect problems with spinal fluid circulation and spinal fluid leaks.

References:

Spelle L, Boulin A, Tainturier C, Visot A, Graveleau P, Pierot L. Neuroimaging features of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.Neuroradiology. 2001 Aug;43(8):622-7.

Spieth ME, Kasner DL. Traumatic thoracic thecal sac laceration, leak, and pleural effusion diagnosed by radionuclide cisternogram. Clin Nucl Med. 2002 Nov;27(11):830-1.

Lund VJ, Savy L, Lloyd G, Howard D. Optimum imaging and diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. J Laryngol Otol. 2000 Dec;114(12):988-92.

Review Date: 9/21/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial and Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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