Objective: To review special safety considerations in the preparation of technetium 99m (Tc-99m) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA; generic name, pentetate) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-related imaging procedures.
Data sources: Review of practices and results at one institution supplemented with findings and recommendations from the literature. Literature searches were conducted via Medline/PubMed using the following terms: Tc-99m DTPA/pentetate, CSF, cisternography, intrathecal, and adverse reactions. The author's own files were also searched for articles (e.g., in newsletters) not indexed by Medline/PubMed.
Study selection: Articles considered appropriate for review included all human research studies, reviews, case reports, abstracts, and letters published in English on Tc-99m DTPA use in CSF-related imaging procedures, especially with regard to safety or adverse reactions.
Data extraction: All information related to safety precautions and adverse reactions associated with Tc-99m DTPA injected intrathecally or otherwise used for CSF-related imaging procedures were considered.
Data synthesis: 18 years' experience in one institution was reviewed with the added perspective of literature findings and recommendations.
Conclusion: With proper attention to safety considerations, Tc-99m DTPA can be safely used in CSF-related imaging procedures.