MRI AND MRA AS A PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL IN CONFIRMING BRAIN DEATH

The objective of this case series was to discuss whether the findings of MR imaging and MR angiography could accurately and early diagnose brain death in comatose patients. Two comatose patients are discussed with MRI and MR arteriography. The MRI examination consisted of T2 turbo spin-echo pulse sequences. The MR arteriography was performed with a 3D pulse sequence. Magnetic resonance imaging in both patients showed edema with swelling of the cerebral gyri, small ventricular system, reduced basilar subarachnoid spaces and tonsillar herniation. MR arteriography revealed no arterial flow in the intracranial circulation. In conclusion, MR imaging and MR angiography can be reliable ancillary tests for use in early diagnosis of brain death.