Ensuring a Quality Cisternogram Procedure in Williamsport, PA

Cisternogram scans can help:

• Detect normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) versus cerebral atrophy in patients with dementia, and /or enlarged ventricles detected on a CT of the head
• Detect a spinal fluid leak in the sinuses, nose or meningitis following head trauma
• Evaluate cerebral shunt patency

Duration and Preparation for a Cisternogram

There are no dietary or medication restrictions that you need to follow prior to a cisternogram procedure. Upon arrival, you will be registered by our office staff. You will then be taken to our exam room and asked to change into a gown. Once changed, we will take you to radiology for your injection. One of our radiologists will review the injection procedure with you and answer any questions. The isotope is injected into the spinal space of your lower back. You may feel some pressure, but it is not painful.

Once the injection is complete, you will be brought back to our nuclear medicine area for your first set of images. Once the first set of images is complete, you are free to go but you will be asked to report back the next three days for a brief period to complete imaging of your head. Each imaging session is very short. You will be positioned in front of a camera and two pictures will be taken. The timeframe for each imaging session is 15 minutes or less.

What Happens During the Procedure?

After you are registered in nuclear medicine, we will have you change into a gown and will escort you to radiology. A board-certified radiologist will verify your identity, explain the injection procedure to you and have you sign a consent form. The radiologist will inject the isotope into the spinal space of your lower back. You may feel pressure but no pain. There are no side effects from the isotope. After the injection you will be brought back to nuclear medicine, and images will be taken of your lower back and head. Once complete, you will be free to leave but asked to return for delayed images. Typically this test takes three days.

Post Screening

Upon your return, a certified nuclear medicine technologist will image the front and side of your head. You will not feel anything but will be asked to hold very still. Each image can take up to five minutes. Over the next two days the same two images will be taken and reviewed, compared and interpreted by a board-certified nuclear medicine physician. The results will be available to your physician within one working day. Your doctor will discuss your results with you.

Download the procedure information.

Experts at UPMC Susquehanna specialize in providing the best diagnostic procedures, including cisternogram, in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.