Qualitative Radionuclide Shuntography for Adult Patients With Suspected V-P Shunt Malfunction

Completed

• Conditions: Radionuclide Shuntography; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction

• Registration Number: NCT02894216
• Lead Sponsor: Far Eastern Memorial Hospital

Brief Summary

The investigators retrospectively reviewed all radionuclide shuntographic tests using (99m)technetium-pertechnetate (DTPA) performed between August 2005 and December 2015 in nuclear medicine department of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. The results of shuntography were evaluated visually and qualitatively, and correlated with clinical follow-up. The tests were interpreted as normal and abnormal, including complete distal obstruction, partial distal obstruction or miscellaneous. Clinical outcomes within 30 days were defined based on subsequent need for revision, re-implantation or adjustment of shunt pressure. Then the investigators calculated the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy.

Detailed Description

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunts are often used in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Complications from shunts are not uncommon and can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, which could be evaluated by clinical examination and neuro-imaging. The radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt study provides a simple, effective, and low-radiation-dose method of assessing CSF shunt patency. When a discrepancy between neurological examination and imaging, additional radionuclide shuntography can be helpful. The purpose of the study was to analyze in the imaging findings and clinical interpretation of a variety of shuntography results and to determine the applicability of shuntography in patients with suspected shunt malfunction.

Materials and Methods: The investigators include all radionuclide shuntographic tests using (99m)technetium-pertechnetate (DTPA) performed between August 2005 and December 2015 in our department. No complications or discomfort were noted in the examinations. The results of shuntography were evaluated visually and qualitatively, and correlated with clinical follow-up. The tests were interpreted as normal and abnormal, including complete distal obstruction, partial distal obstruction or miscellaneous. Clinical outcomes within 30 days were defined based on subsequent need for revision, re-implantation or adjustment of shunt pressure. Then the investigators calculated the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy. The investigators would also determine the correlation with operative findings and assessment of radionuclide shuntography.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2016-04
• Study First Submitted: 2016-05-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-09-08
• Study First Posted: 2016-09-09
• Primary Completion: 2017-01
• Study Completion: 2017-04
• Status Verified: 2017-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-05-10
• Last Update Posted: 2017-05-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 69

Inclusion Criteria

• all radionuclide shuntographic tests using (99m)technetium-pertechnetate (DTPA) performed between August 2005 and December 2015 in nuclear medicine department in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital

Exclusion Criteria

• patients younger than 21 years old

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
clinical outcome	30 days post radionuclide shuntography	subsequent need for revision, re-implantation or adjustment of shunt pressure.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
surgical findings	30 days post radionuclide shuntography	findings (obstruction or not) noted by surgery