Abstract
Radionuclide lumbar cisternography with 111In-DTPA was utilized as a bedside procedure to evaluate CSF dynamics and the patency
of the ventricular system in 29 preterm infants with hydrocephalus. Serial images
of the brain were obtained at 0, 1, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours after instillation of the
isotope in the lumbar subarachnoid space. Three distinct patterns were seen. Infants
with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus displayed prompt ventricular filling but markedly
delayed emptying with minimal flow over the cerebral convexities. Infants with ventriculomegaly
secondary to suspected brain atrophy or periventricular leukomalacia demonstrated
a pattern of prompt ventricular filling, delayed emptying, but with flow present over
the convexities. An infant with noncommunicating hydrocephalus secondary to an Arnold-Chiari
malformation snowed a pattern of complete obstruction with no ventricular filling.
Radionuclide lumbar cisternography appears to be a safe, welltolerated procedure which
produces images of sufficient resolution to provide valuable information about CSF
dynamics, delineating basal cisternae, ventricles, and subarachnoid flow paths.
Zusammenfassung
Die lumbale Radio-Isotopen Zisternographie ist eine sichere und verlässliche Methode
zur Darstellung des Liquorsystems und seiner Dynamik bei Frühgeborenen. Sie ermöglicht
die Differenzierung von kommunizierender und nichtkommunizierender Hydrozephalie,
z.B. nach intraventrikulärer Blutung oder Asphyxie.
