What is a Shuntogram?

In patients with shunts, a shuntogram is an image-guided procedure where contrast material (dye) is placed in the shunt reservoir/valve and the speed at which it moves is observed to determine if there is a shunt malfunction or blockage.

How do they do a Shuntogram?

Technique and Patients. The radiographic shuntogram involves injection of a small quantity of nonionic contrast material into the valve of a ventricular shunt system. Serial filming is performed over a 15-minute period to document forward flow of contrast material and CSF.

What is dialysis Fistulogram?

An angiogram/fistulogram is an x-ray used to look inside your dialysis access. It’s done to look for any narrowing or blockage in the access. Dye or carbon dioxide may be used in this procedure.

How do they do a Fistulagram?

Once your skin is numb, your doctor places a tiny catheter (tube) in your fistula or graft. This tube is similar to the needle used during dialysis. The doctor then injects contrast dye into the tube, so they can see what is happening to your fistula or graft on x-rays.

How do I know if my VP shunt is working?

In many cases, diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans or X-rays, is performed to rule in or rule out shunt dysfunction. These imaging tests expose patients to radiation, and many times these tests indicate that the shunt is in fact working properly.

What does a shunt series show?

Shunt series may help in identifying potential mechanical causes of VPS obstruction including disruptions of the system; disconnections and kinks, ectopic location of the catheter, as within the subgaleal region proximally and within the intra-peritoneal space or extra-peritoneal distally.

What are the side effects of a shunt?

Shunt infection

redness and tenderness along the line of the shunt.
a high temperature.
headache.
vomiting.
neck stiffness.
tummy pain if the shunt drains into your tummy.
irritability or sleepiness in babies.

What is the purpose of fistulogram?

A fistulagram is an X-ray procedure to look at the blood flow and check for blood clots or other blockages in your fistula.

How long is a Fistulagram procedure?

During Your Procedure The interventional radiologist will insert a needle into your fistula, contrast will be injected and several x-ray images will be taken. A fistulagram usually takes one to two hours to complete.

How long does a Fistulagram take?

Is a Fistulogram painful?

You may feel a warm sensation as the contrast material is injected into your fistula/sinus. While you may experience discomfort during the procedure, there is usually no pain.

How is a shuntogram used to diagnose shunt?

Shuntogram. A common diagnostic test is a “shunt-o-gram” which can be performed with contrast dye or a radioactive tracer. The flow of fluid is then imaged in real time to determine the function of the shunt. A shunt makes it easier to see exactly where the shunt malfunction exists.

What are the components of a shunt catheter?

The shunt consists of several components: ventricular catheter, shunt valve, and distal peritoneal or atrial catheter. A ventricular reservoir is occasionally added for CSF access, and angled or straight connection hardware is used to connect the components.

When is a shunt revision necessary after a normal shuntogram?

In one of the patients in whom the shuntogram was considered normal, shunt revision was subsequently required 3½ years after the procedure. In the other patient with a normal shuntogram, shunt revision was ultimately performed 2 years after the procedure. No complications were encountered from the shuntogram procedure.

How is a Shunt shunt chest xray performed?

With the patient supine, the head is turned for optimal display of the shunt system and scout radiographs of the cranial, chest, and abdominal components of the shunt are obtained. The shunt valve is located and scalp hair is generously removed from the valve region.