How is a CT cisternogram performed?

How is a CT 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.

Will a CT scan show a CSF 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.

What is CT Cisternography?

Computed tomography (CT) cisternography is an imaging technique used to diagnose CSF rhinorrhea or CSF otorrhea (CSF leaks), as CT allows the assessment of the bones of the base of the skull.

Can you see CSF leak on CT without contrast?

In our series, 21 of 42 patients underwent surgical exploration and all had confirmation of the defect revealed by high-resolution CT. In addition, 20 of these patients also had intraoperative visualization of CSF leak at this location. CSF leak is not directly visible on noncontrast high-resolution CT scans.

Is a CT cisternogram painful?

The most common side effects after a cisternogram are pain where you received your injection and headache. Spinal headaches can occur after a lumbar puncture because CSF fluid may leak out of the injection site.

How long does a cisternogram take?

The scan takes about 30-60 minutes. You will be scheduled for serial scans starting about 24 hours, 48 hours and possibly 72 hours after your initial scan. If you had pledgets placed, they will be removed at the 24-hour scan.

Is a spinal leak serious?

Untreated CSF leaks can lead to life-threatening meningitis, brain infections, or stroke. UT Southwestern specialists offer rapid, accurate diagnosis of this dangerous condition, world-class surgical services to correct it, and pre- and post-surgical care that optimizes each patient’s treatment and recovery.

Can you see CSF leak on brain MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately detects CSF leaks and associated complications such as the encephaloceles and meningoceles.

Can a CSF leak be detected on an Mr scan?

Unlike CT cisternography, MR cisternography does not require an active CSF leak to demonstrate the site of leak. Inactive leaks are often under-diagnosed on CT cisternography. Both active and inactive leaks can be diagnosed on MR cisternography.

Can Mr cisternography be used to diagnose leak detection?

Both active and inactive leaks can be diagnosed on MR cisternography. Another important and robust advantage of MR cisternography is the detection of spontaneous leaks. Many of the spontaneous leaks might be associated with cephaloceles and encephaloceles. Cephaloceles are easier to be missed on CT but can be confidently diagnosed on MRI.

How do you stop a CSF from leaking?

This treatment involves taking a sample of your own blood, then injecting it into the spinal canal. The blood cells form a clot, which creates a patch to cover the area where the CSF is leaking. Sealant. A special sealant may be used alone or mixed with your blood in the same technique described above to cover the hole and stop the CSF leak.

How accurate is 3D T2 drive Mr cisternography in detecting CSF leaks?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately detects CSF leaks and associated complications such as the encephaloceles and meningoceles. In this review, we emphasize the importance and usefulness of 3D T2 DRIVE MR cisternography in localizing CSF leaks.