For the substitute of pneumo-ventriculography, fractional cisternal pneumoencephalographies were performed on 10 patients with various intracranial lesions, with use of No. 22 spinal needle and polyethylene tube of similar. size which was attached between needle and syringe.
In no instance was a mentioned worthy complication encountered. Although positional susceptibility and limitation of performers are main cautionary factors, not like lumbar P.E.G. for which even interns may be able to perform with ease, author feels, neverthless, that cisternal technique is superior than lumbar using smaller volume of air, and because the patient thereby experiences less headache and other complications such as nausea and vomiting.
Besides, it is possible to use this method with the patient in the semirecumbent position which gives a definite advantage when the patient is lethalgic or has a marked hemiparesis. Cisternal technique has also definite advantage in the cases of various vertebral pathologies such as kyphosis, spina bifida or skin disease on lumbar region.
Beside describing the method, author also reviewed and discussed on the subjects of the indication and contraindication, the various types of technique, and the various types of contrast media and its quantity injected.
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