Importance of the lateral view in the evaluation of suspected brain death.
The authors present two cases of clinical brain death that failed to meet the criteria for whole brain death using Tc-99m HMPAO. Conventional anterior cerebral flow studies demonstrated no intracerebral perfusion. Anterior static images also failed to show cerebral activity. However, the lateral images clearly demonstrate cerebellar activity. These cases demonstrate the importance of Tc-99m HMPAO as the agent of choice in evaluating brain death and the necessity of lateral views to meet the criteria for whole brain death. Cerebellar perfusion challenges the present criteria for whole brain death. New criteria must re-evaluate the present technology.
Spieth
M
M
Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, USA.
Abella
E
E
Sutter
C
C
Vasinrapee
P
P
Wall
L
L
Ortiz
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001926:Brain Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D010091:Oximes; D011875:Radionuclide Angiography / Q000379:methods; D019690:Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime
D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D010091:Oximes; D019690:Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime