title: Ultrasonographic cerebral perfusion in assessment of brain death: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this series was to describe the ultrasonographic perfusion pattern in patients with brain death.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients with different neurologic disorders in whom brain death developed were studied. Transcranial perfusion was analyzed after injection of 2.5 mL of a sulfur hexafluoride ultrasonographic contrast agent. Time-intensity curves were analyzed in predetermined regions of interest.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all patients, analysis of regions of interest showed no bolus-like curve progression. This finding implies a complete absence of cerebral perfusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with brain death studied by ultrasonographic perfusion techniques have a characteristic pattern.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain.
authors.forename: Josep M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Abadal
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Llompart-Pou
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Homar
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Velasco
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ibáñez
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pérez-Bárcena
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001926:Brain Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D013997:Time Factors; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride