title: The adult radiographic shuntogram.
abstract: We describe the adult radiographic shuntogram, a simple method to evaluate the function and patency of a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt. The procedure involves placing contrast material into the valve of a shunt system and following the flow for appropriate clearing of contrast agent from the shunt tubing. Twenty-three studies were obtained in 15 patients in whom shunt malfunction was suspected. The method can be used to establish valve malfunction, ventricular or distal catheter obstruction, and peritoneal encystment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh 15224, USA.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Bartynski
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Valliappan
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Uselman
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Spearman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014695:Cerebral Ventriculography; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014654:Vascular Patency; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt