MRI cisternography is a noninvasive MRI technique that visualizes cerebrospinal fluid–filled subarachnoid spaces (cisterns and ventricles). It uses heavily T2-weighted, high-resolution sequences—sometimes with intrathecal or intravenous contrast—to highlight CSF and nearby structures. It helps detect CSF leaks, arachnoid cysts, cranial nerve compression, and to map CSF anatomy and flow before surgery.

MRI cisternography costs vary widely by country and facility. In India it commonly ranges about ₹4,000–₹20,000. In the UK it is provided free on the NHS, while private scans typically cost £300–£1,000. In the United States prices typically run roughly $800–$4,000 (higher in hospital settings or with contrast). Final cost depends on location, contrast use, and facility/radiologist fees.

Cisternography timing varies by type. Radionuclide cisternography requires a lumbar puncture and serial imaging—initial images at 1–4 hours with follow-ups often at 24 and sometimes 48 hours, so the process can span a day or two. CT cisternography (intrathecal contrast) typically takes a few hours including observation. Noncontrast MR cisternography usually completes in 30–60 minutes.

A cisternogram uses a lumbar puncture to inject a small radiotracer into the cerebrospinal fluid. Serial gamma‑camera images are then taken immediately and at timed intervals (hours up to ~48 hours) to track tracer movement into the brain’s basal cisterns or detect leaks/shunt function. The test uses sterile technique, local anesthetic and monitoring; patients lie still and may change position per protocol.

A cisternogram can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, neck or back pain at the lumbar puncture site, and transient lightheadedness. Less common but serious risks include infection, bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leak (post‑dural puncture headache), allergic reaction to the radiotracer, and very rarely seizures or neurological symptoms. Report severe headache, fever, persistent vomiting, or new neurological changes to your clinician.

For radionuclide or CT cisternography, the intrathecal injection is usually done with the patient in lateral decubitus (side‑lying) or sometimes sitting for the lumbar puncture. Initial imaging is typically performed supine; delayed images may be obtained upright or seated to follow CSF/tracer flow and reveal leaks. Prone positioning can be used for targeted CT imaging of skull‑base leaks.