A comparative study of radionuclide cisternography and x-CT with metrizamide in children

CSF dynamics were analysed in 17 children with subdural effusion or with hydrocephalus using radionuclide cisternography and X-CT with metrizamide in order to compare the results obtained using the two methods. Count rates and densities in ROIs set on the cisterna magna, basal cistern, parasagittal region and lateral ventricle were recorded at 3 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after intrathecal administration of 0.5 ∼ 1 mCi 111In DTPA for radionuclide cisternography and 170 mgI/ml metrizamide for X-CT with metrizamide respectively. Serial images of radionuclide cisternography were found to be useful and satisfactory for detecting reflux. On the other hand, serial X-CT with metrizamide was beneficial for clarifying the pathophysiology of CSF circulation with accurate monophologic definition. We concluded that a combination of radionuclide cisternography and X-CT with metrizamide was necessary for accurate examination to evaluate CSF circulatory disturbance. (author)