A technique for evaluation of ventricular shunts using Amipaque and computerized tomography.

A technique involving the combined use of Amipaque (metrizamide) and computerized tomography scanning is described for the evaluation of ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoureteral shunt function. The results of three illustrative cases from a series of nine patients are given. In five patients, the technique demonstrated obstruction that was later confirmed at surgery. In the other four patients, it showed patency in the shunt system, and no surgery was performed, thereby obviating unnecessary shunt revisions.