P.089 A literature search using titles and key terms was conducted for articles containing brain death ancillary testing diagnosis, and CTP as primary focus

Abstract

Background: Ancillary testing assist in the diagnosis of brain death. While traditionally, lack of blood flow (BF) in the intracranial arteries constitutes conclusive evidence that the brain is dead, there is apparent discrepancy between the BF, and sufficient cerebral perfusion; In 15% of patients with confirmed clinical diagnosis of brain death, BF is still preserved. In these patients, cerebral perfusion is significantly impaired suggesting that cerebral perfusion rather than BF more accurately assesses brain function. We aim to present a history of brain death, its pathophysiology, and ancillary tests utilized for its diagnosis- specifically CT Perfusion studies. Methods: A literature search using titles and key terms was conducted for articles containing brain death ancillary testing diagnosis, and CTP as primary focus. Results: Across selected studies, CTP diagnosed brain death with 100% positive predictive value, as none of the patients were proven not-dead on follow-up. The early prediction of mortality outcome in these patients with proven high mortality rate may help decisions for withdrawal of life support. It may also facilitate procurement of organs for transplants. Conclusions: Although clinical assessment is the gold standard method of brain death determination, CTP has shown promising results that could alter our current clinical approach.