Practical Aspects of Nuclear Medicine Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Evaluation

J Nucl Med Technol. 2023 Dec 5;51(4):271-276. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266203.

Abstract

The radionuclide ventriculoperitoneal shunt evaluation study is a simple test that involves injecting a small volume of radionuclide into the shunt reservoir and then observing its disappearance using dynamic γ-camera imaging. Although it seems simple, there are several potential pitfalls that can result in a misinterpreted or uninterpretable study. This paper is a detailed description of how to avoid the pitfalls and also how to interpret the results.

Keywords: overdrainage; pitfalls; syphoning; ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

MeSH terms

  • Gamma Cameras
  • Nuclear Medicine*
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Radioisotopes