Prognostic value of carotid angiography in severe head injury

Seventy-seven carotid angiograms in patients with severe head injuries were reviewed. The prognostic value of angiographic findings was evaluated. We were particularly concerned with midline shift, extracerebral avascular area, cerebral circulation time, phlebographic index, and distance between insula and inner table of the skull. Poor visualization of the internal cerebral and the thalamostriate veins, and prolongation of the arterial circulation time were significantly related to a poor prognosis.