Positron Emission Tomography with 68Ga-EDTA in the Diagnosis and Localization of CSF Fistulas

Abstract

Five patients with CSF rhinorrhea were investigated with computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) to localize the site of a CSF fistula. After intrathecal injection of 10 MBq [megaBecquerels] of 68Ga-EDTA, radioactivity was demonstrated in the basal cisterns. In 3 cases, the site of the fistula was visulized with PET. It is not always possible to demonstrate a CSF leakage with CT cisternography (CTC) using metrizamide, particularly in cases with minute fistulas or intermittent CSF rhinorrhea. With further experience and improved PET techniques, it may be possible to detect even very small fistulas.