The use of dynamic computed tomographic angiography ancillary to the diagnosis of brain death

Global absence of cerebral circulation is an important ancillary test for brain death when the diagnosis cannot be confirmed clinically. A number of imaging methods are available to assess cerebral circulation; however, new techniques are sought to improve on limitations of the current tests. Dynamic computed tomographic angiography (dCTA) is a novel technique that enables dynamic noninvasive imaging of cerebral blood flow.

We present the use of dCTA in 3 cases as a corroboratory tool to diagnose brain death. Analysis of our findings suggest that it is a reliable technique for demonstrating the lack of intracranial blood flow, with many advantages over other current methods.

A dCTA may be used to reliably demonstrate the lack of cerebral blood flow in patients with suspected brain death.