Which tracer can be used to assess the patency of ventriculoperitoneal shunts?

The tracer that is commonly utilized to assess the patency of ventriculoperitoneal shunts is technetium-99m pertechnetate. This choice is particularly effective because Tc-99m-pertechnetate has favorable physical properties, including a suitable half-life and energy emissions that make it well-suited for imaging purposes. When injected, this tracer can effectively highlight the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the shunt, allowing for evaluation of whether the device is functioning properly or if there are any blockages.

In the context of this application, the other tracers mentioned are primarily used for different diagnostic purposes. For instance, F-18-FDG is typically employed in oncology for PET imaging to assess metabolism in tissues, while thallium-201 is mainly used for myocardial perfusion imaging. I-123 is predominantly utilized for thyroid imaging and certain neuroendocrine assessments. The specific utility of Tc-99m-pertechnetate in visualizing CSF flow makes it the preferred choice in the assessment of the patency of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.