RHISA Scan
Alternate Names : Cisternogram, CSF Flow Scan, Intrathecal Scan, Radionuclide Cisternogram, Spinal Cord Scan
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How is the Test Performed?
A RHISA scan is a type of nuclear scan. Small amounts of radioactive material are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid at the lower spine. The cerebrospinal fluid is allowed to circulate for a time. The scanner can detect the presence of radiation emitted by the materials, and images are taken to illustrate the flow of those radioactive materials through the cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed. A radiopharmaceutical (material tagged with a radioisotope; in this case, usually albumin mixed with indium 111) is injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space (the space where the cerebrospinal fluid flows through the spine). The cerebrospinal fluid is allowed to circulate for a time and the tracer travels with it.
You will be scanned 4-6 hours later. You are asked to lie flat on a table and are placed beneath the arm of the scanner (which resembles an X-ray machine). The scanner detects the presence of radiation from the radioisotope. There will be a series of scans, usually at 4-6 hours after injection, again at 24-hours after injection, and possibly again at 48 and 72 hours after injection.
You should lie flat after the lumbar puncture (to help prevent headache from the lumbar puncture). No other special care is usually necessary.
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