[Ophthalmodynamographic and ophthalmodynamometric findings following irreversible loss of cerebral function (author's...

In 12 patients with irreversible cessation of cerebral function (so-called "brain death") ophthalmodynamographic (ODG) measurements were made. In 8 of these ophthalmodynamometric (ODM) investigations were also made. ODG results were abnormal in all cases, pulsation volumes showing a deep decrease (x:16.8 mm3;x of mean arterial pressure 79,1 mm Hg). ODM measurements revealed highly scattered results, ophthalmic artery pressure being normal in 3, increased in 1, severely reduced in 2 patients.--In 2 other cases mere touching of the eye bulb by the ophthalmodynamometer caused a sudden complete collapse of the central retinal artery. Whereas the ODG results might already be considered as useful auxiliary findings, for definite evaluation of the clinical significance of ODG and ODM in diagnosing an intracranial circulatory, additional comparative investigations may be necessary.