The value of an ultrasonic flowmeter in assessing the function of CSF shunts.
In 113 children suspected of having CSF shunt dysfunction, the shunts were examined with a Doppler ultrasound flowmeter on 203 occasions. Shunt patency or blockage was correctly diagnosed in 90% of cases. There were 5% false-positive and 5% false-negative tests. Certain pitfalls of the investigation and its future applications are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004301:Doppler Effect; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008297:Male; D012212:Rheology; D014463:Ultrasonography