Evaluation of shunt function in hydrocephalic patients with the radionuclide Tc-99m-pertechnetate

In most cases of shunted hydrocephalus, shunt malfunction is evaluated by c linical examination and neuro-imaging. However if there is a discrepancy be tween neurological examination and imaging, additional shuntography can be helpful in the evaluation of the shunt function. In our clinic, radionuclid e-imaging shuntography using (99m)technetium-pertechnetate was performed in 85 children between 1992 and 1995. The results of shuntography were evalua ted visually and from time-activity curves. Shuntography had a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 89%, and an accuracy of 93%, proved either by surg ery or by clinical follow-up for 2-5 years. Corresponding to these results, we recommend the use of shuntography in cases with an uncertain shunt func tion before surgical revision.