What is a Cisternogram?
A Cisternogram is a Nuclear Medicine examination designed to determine the pattern of spinal fluid flow within the fluid spaces in and around the brain.
The procedure is a two part study performed by a radiologist. The first is a lumbar puncture under CAT scan guidance, the second as imaging in our Nuclear Medicine department with images acquired at 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Upon completion a detailed report will be sent to your doctor.
What is the Preparation?
- You will be asked to fast for 3 hours before the first appointment, but you may drink small amounts of liquids up until the time of the procedure
- For your return visits in 24, 48 and 72 hours you may eat and drink as usual.
- The nurse from Advanced Imaging will give you specific instructions on what medications you may take with water the first day of your cisternogram.
- Patients taking aspirin and ibuprofen containing medications, multivitamins, garlic, and Fish Oil (Omega three) are asked to stop these medications 5 days prior to the procedure.
- Patients taking Coumadin, Persantine, Plavix, or Platel may be asked to hold these medications after their treating physician has given consent to hold the medication. This will be coordinated by the nurse at Advanced Imaging and your treating physician. You will be notified what day to hold your medication.
- You will be asked to change into a patient gown, but in most cases you will be able to keep your pants on. Pants with an elastic waist band work well. No belt or wallet in pocket.
Pre Cisternogram
- A nurse from Advanced Imaging will call to obtain a medical history prior to your cisternogram, as well as a current list of medications you are taking (this will include herbal medications, multivitamins, etc.).
Can I drive myself?
- No, you will need a driver and you should not drive for 24 hours after the first day of the study.
How long will I be at Advanced Imaging?
- You will be at Advanced Imaging for approximately 4 to 5 hours your first day of the study.
- You will be at Advanced Imaging for approximately 30 min for your following appointments on day 2, 3 and 4.
What to Expect the first day of the study.
- Upon your arrival at Advanced Imaging you will check in with the receptionist. You will be asked to provide a picture ID (usually a license) and valid insurance card.
- You will be asked to complete and sign the Authorization for Care and Release of Health Information. (If you wish to allow any other person to receive your medical information other than yourself you will indicate that on this form)
- You will be given and asked to sign the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Family members will be asked to wait in the lobby when you are called for your procedure.
- A gown will be provided for you to change into, and you will be asked to remove any necklaces.
- You will be asked to sign consent for treatment and given an opportunity to ask questions prior to the procedure.
- A nurse will evaluate your vital signs on day one of the study.
- You will be escorted to the CT suite and positioned on your stomach.
- The Radiologist will prep the area with betadine and administer a local anesthetic.
- A small needle is inserted into the fluid space in your lower back. If possible, a small amount of spinal fluid will be removed and a radio-pharmaceutical will then be injected into the fluid space.
- You will return to the Nursing area via stretcher and lie on your back with the head of bed flat.
- You will be observed for two to four hours and then transported to Nuclear Medicine for initial f images.
- You will receive a time to return to Advanced Imaging in 24, 48, and 72 hours. You do not need to fast for these follow up visits, and your appointment time will be brief, usually 15 to 30 minutes.
Home Care
- You should rest the remainder of the first day in a reclining position with your head elevated no higher than 30 degrees.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid bending over or any strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
- The following day you may shower, and if any band aids were applied they may be removed.
- Rarely side effects following a Cisternogram include headache, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary.
You will receive a follow up phone call the day following your initial visit from the nurse at Advanced Imaging.
Exam results
- Your physician will receive a separate written report from the radiologist within two to four days of the completion of the study.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Should you be admitted to the hospital, please inform your physician about your appointment.
If you have any questions please call Advanced Imaging at: 941-235-4646 and ask to speak to the nurse.
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