MR cisternography is a specialized MRI technique that produces high-resolution images of cerebrospinal fluid–filled spaces (subarachnoid cisterns) using heavily T2-weighted or steady‑state sequences. It noninvasively outlines CSF pathways and adjacent cranial nerves, aiding diagnosis of CSF leaks, arachnoid cysts, cranial nerve compression and other skull‑base or posterior fossa conditions, and assists surgical planning.

MRI cisternography costs vary widely by country and provider. Typical private charges range roughly $200–$3,000 (US) or equivalent; in India about ₹3,000–₹15,000 at private centres; in the UK it’s usually NHS-covered for eligible patients, while private scans cost several hundred pounds. Final price depends on location, facility type, contrast use and insurance—check local radiology centres for exact fees.

Cisternography timing varies by type. Radionuclide cisternography involves a lumbar puncture (30–60 minutes) plus serial scans at 1–4 hours and typically at 24 hours (sometimes 48–72 hours), so the whole study can span 1–3 days. CT/MR cisternography with intrathecal contrast usually requires 30–60 minutes for imaging (plus prep/recovery). Your team will give specific timing and aftercare instructions.

Cisternography carries risks related to lumbar puncture and intrathecal contrast: headache, back pain, bleeding, infection (including meningitis), nerve injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Intrathecal contrast can cause allergic reactions, chemical meningitis, seizures or neurologic irritation; CT techniques add radiation exposure. Rarely, persistent pain, arachnoiditis or serious neurologic complications may occur. Risks are generally low but warrant informed consent.

MRI cisternography is used to detect skull‑base CSF leaks and CSF fistulae (rhinorrhea/otorrhea), localize skull‑base defects, and evaluate arachnoid cysts or other CSF‑filled lesions. It also helps assess cranial nerve compression or lesions, inner‑ear/perilymphatic fistulas and temporal‑bone pathology, and postoperative CSF collections or suspected meningeal involvement.

No — contrast is not always required. MR cisternography commonly uses non-contrast heavily T2-weighted sequences such as CISS or FIESTA to delineate CSF spaces and many leaks. Intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced MR cisternography can improve leak localization when non-contrast studies are inconclusive, but it is invasive and used selectively due to off‑label use and potential risks.