Ultrasonographic cerebral perfusion in assessment of brain death: a preliminary study.
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.
Abadal
Josep M
JM
Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain.
Llompart-Pou
Juan A
JA
Homar
Javier
J
Velasco
Julio
J
Ibáñez
Jordi
J
Pérez-Bárcena
Jon
J
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
D003287:Contrast Media; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride