Radionuclide cisternogram – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

CSF flow scan; Cisternogram

A radionuclide cisternogram is a nuclear scan test. It is used to diagnose problems with the flow of spinal fluid.

How the Test is Performed

A spinal tap ( lumbar puncture ) is done first. Small amounts of radioactive material, called a radioisotope, are injected into the fluid within the spine.

You will then be scanned 4 to 6 hours after getting the injection. A special camera takes images that show how the radioactive materials travel with the cerebrospinal fluid through the spine. The images also show if the fluid leaks outside the spine or brain.

You will be scanned again 24 hours after injection. You may need additional scans possibly at 48 and 72 hours after injection.

How to Prepare for the Test

Most of the time, you do not need to prepare for this test. Your health care provider may give you a medicine to calm your nerves if you are very anxious. You will sign a consent form before the test.

You will wear a hospital gown during the scan so the doctors have access to your spine. You will also need to remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.

How the Test will Feel

Numbing medicine will be put on your lower back before the lumbar puncture. However, many people find lumbar puncture somewhat uncomfortable. This is often due to the pressure on the spine when the needle is inserted.

The scan is painless, although the table may be cold or hard. No discomfort is produced by the radioisotope or the scanner.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed to detect problems with flow of spinal fluid and spinal fluid leaks. In some cases, there may be a concern the CSF fluid is leaking after a trauma to the head or a surgery in the head. This test will be done to diagnose the leak.

Normal Results

A normal value indicates normal circulation of CSF through all parts of the brain and spinal cord.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result indicates disorders of CSF circulation. These disorders may include:

Hydrocephalus or dilated spaces in your brain due to an obstruction
CSF leak
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Whether or not a CSF shunt is open or blocked

Risks

Risks associated with a lumbar puncture include pain at the injection site, bleeding, and infection. There is also a very rare chance of nerve damage.

The amount of radiation used during the nuclear scan is very small. Almost all of the radiation is gone within a few days. There are no known cases of the radioisotope causing harm to the person getting the scan. However, as with any radiation exposure, caution is advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Very rarely, a person may have an allergic reaction to the radioisotope used during the scan. This may include a serious anaphylactic reaction .

Considerations

You should lie flat after the lumbar puncture. This can help prevent headache from the lumbar puncture. No other special care is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.