CSF shunt patency study Factsheet
Introduction
A Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) shunt patency study checks if a brain shunt is working properly.
CSF is a clear liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
A shunt is a small hollow tube that allows fluid to flow from one part of the body to another.
The CSF shunt patency study uses:
- a Gamma camera – a large camera that measures radiation
- radiotracer- a small amount of radioactive fluid that moves through the body.
The gamma camera takes pictures of the radiotracer moving through your child’s head, chest and stomach.
A CSF shunt patency study can be used to check conditions like:
- neonatal hydrocephalus - where fluid builds up around a baby’s brain, causing swelling and pressure
- head trauma - an injury to the head from a fall, hit or accident
- tumours - lumps in the body caused by cells growing in an abnormal way.
Before the scan
Your child’s treatment team will give you instructions on how to prepare for the scan. This may include:
- sedation- medicine to help your child relax or sleep during the scan
- fasting- your child may have to stop eating and drinking before the scan, including solid foods, fluids, breastmilk and infant formula.
Your child will only need to fast if they are having sedation.
If your child does not need sedation for the scan, they can eat and drink normally before the CSF shunt patency scan.
Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
During the scan
Your child will not feel anything during the scan, and the camera will not touch them.
The scan will take about two hours. You can stay with your child the whole time.
If needed, a small area of hair near the entry to the shunt will be shaved and cleaned. This shunt entry is also known as the Rickhams Reservoir.
Generally, the steps of the scan are:
- your child lies on the scanning bed
- velcro straps may be used to gently help your child stay still
- the nuclear medicine doctor will inject a small amount of radiotracer into the shunt reservoir
- images of your child’s head, chest and abdomen will be taken
- these images may be repeated 2-3 times, giving the CFS time to flow out of the shunt.
Each round of images should take less than five minutes.
After the scan
You can leave once the results are checked by a doctor or nuclear medicine scientist.
The results will be sent to your child’s doctor within a couple of days. You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s doctor to discuss the results.
Management
Radiation
Your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the scan. The benefits of finding and treating kidney problems are greater than the small risk of this low dose.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to the radiotracer are very rare and usually mild. Your child’s doctor will talk to you about any potential risks before the scan. Let your child’s treatment team know if they have any allergies.
Supporting your child during the scan
Scans can be uncomfortable for children. You can prepare your child by:
- explaining to them why the test is needed in simple words
- bringing along their favourite comfort objects, like a blanket, toy, or dummy
- asking the treatment team about support from Child Life Therapy services.
