Health Encyclopedia

Search the Health Encyclopedia

Radionuclide cisternogram

Definition

A radionuclide cisternogram is a nuclear scan test. It is used to diagnose problems with the flow of spinal fluid.

Alternative Names

CSF flow scan; Cisternogram

How the Test is Performed

A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is done first. Small amounts of radioactive material, called a radioisotope, are injected into the fluid within the spine. The needle is removed immediately after the injection.

You will then be scanned 1 to 6 hours after getting the injection. A special camera takes images that show how the radioactive materials travel with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spine. The images also show if the fluid leaks outside the spine or brain.

You will be scanned again 24 hours after injection. You may need additional scans possibly at 48 and 72 hours after injection.

How to Prepare for the Test

Most of the time, you do not need to prepare for this test. Your health care provider may give you medicine to calm your nerves if you are very anxious. You will sign a consent form before the test.

You will wear a hospital gown during the scan so your doctors have access to your spine. You will also need to remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.

How the Test will Feel

Numbing medicine will be put on your lower back before the lumbar puncture. However, many people find lumbar puncture somewhat uncomfortable. This is often due to the pressure on the spine when the needle is inserted.

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 the flow of spinal fluid and spinal fluid leaks. In some cases, there may be a concern that the CSF fluid is leaking after a trauma to the head or a surgery in the head. This test will be done to diagnose the leak.

Normal Results

A normal value indicates normal circulation of CSF through all parts of the brain and spinal cord.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result indicates disorders of CSF circulation. These disorders may include:

Risks

Risks associated with a lumbar puncture include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Bleeding
  • Infection

There is also a very rare chance of nerve damage.

The amount of radiation used during the nuclear scan is very small. Almost all of the radiation is gone within a few days. There are no known cases of the radioisotope causing harm to the person getting the scan. However, as with any radiation exposure, caution is advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the radioisotope used during the scan. This may include a serious anaphylactic reaction.

Considerations

You should lie flat after the lumbar puncture. This can help prevent a headache from the lumbar puncture. No other special care is necessary.

References

Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ. Central nervous system. In: Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ, eds. Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Imaging. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 3.

Swanson JW, Bartleson JD. Cranial and facial pain. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley's and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.

Review Date:7/1/2023
Reviewed By:Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.

Health Outcome Data

No data available for this condition/procedure.

Read More

CSF leak *

Hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

PET scan


* Has Related Health Outcome Information

Health Encyclopedia

More Features