Evaluation of radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid scintigraphy as a guide in the management of patients with hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: Radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid scintigraphy (RCFS) has long been clinically applied in the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. This study aims to evaluate the clinical value of RCFS as a guide in the management of patients with hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with hydrocephalus were investigated. They underwent RCFS scanning and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging examination in our hospital. Follow-up treatment was performed, and prognosis was made.

RESULTS

Four of seven patients diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus by RCFS underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and five of six patients diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. All patients who underwent operation had good prognosis on follow-up after at least 1 year.

CONCLUSION

RCFS can definitely differentiate obstructive hydrocephalus from communicating hydrocephalus and had significance as a guide in the treatment of patients with hydrocephalus.