Radionuclide brain perfusion studies in suspected brain death

The radionuclide brain perfusion study (RPS) has been suggested as a method of confirming suspected brain death. The hospital records and RPSs of 34 patients referred were reviewed because brain death was suspected. In every case but one the RPS showed absent or drastically reduced cerebral blood flow. No patient survived more than five days, and 25 survived less than 24 hours. These findings are consistent with the results of previous reports of a total of 248 patients; only one of 248 survived and was discharged from the hospital after having had a positive RPS. The RPS is highly accurate in confirming brain death.     

Clinical use of technetium-99m HM-PAO for determination of brain death

We report our clinical experience with the use of [99mTc]hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime (HM-PAO) in establishing a diagnosis of brain death in 11 patients following trauma to the head and four patients who suffered atraumatic injuries. In 9/15 studies there was no intracranial flow present and brain death was then confirmed by standard criteria. Of the remaining 6/15 studies which showed evidence of cerebral perfusion, 3/6 patients underwent a subsequent HM-PAO study which showed cessation of perfusion. One additional patient died of pneumonia and two patients survived. Thus, in all cases where there was no flow present the diagnosis of brain death was later confirmed whereas three patients clinically thought to be brain dead showed significant perfusion and survived the cerebral trauma. HM-PAO may be useful in determination of brain death because it provides unequivocal results, can be performed by planar imaging at the bedside, and does not require withdrawal of medical therapy, thus allowing a diagnosis to be established more rapidly.     

Uneventful recovery from suicidal hanging: a case report

Although hanging accounts for a considerable number of suicidal deaths in Sri Lanka, on rare occasions the victims survive. A few cases have been reported in the literature where victims survived after varying periods of unconsciousness. It has been observed that death does not necessarily result from hanging, provided the victim is brought down promptly and resuscitated actively and vigorously. This paper focuses on an unusual case of a 39-year-old male who survived after resuscitation, without any adverse neurological outcome, after a suicide attempt by hanging.     

Fulminant infectious endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus with pseudoaneurysms in the superior mesenteric,hepatic, and popliteal arteries: a case report

Staphylococcus aureus infectious endocarditis has a high mortality, major causes of death being cardiac failure, systemic embolism, and sepsis. Pseudoaneurysms, a rare complication of this infection, are not invariably fatal with appropriate treatment. A previously healthy 32-year-old man was found to have multiple cerebral infarctions, and infectious endocarditis with mitral valve vegetation was diagnosed by echocardiography. Because methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified from blood cultures, vancomycin was administered. Massive intracerebral hemorrhage in the left temporo-occipital lobe occurred in the patient on the 3rd day after admission, and the hematoma was completely removed surgically. Another hemorrhage was identified in the right occipital region on the 7th hospital day, which led the patient deep coma. Blood cultures on the 10th day were negative for MRSA; however, imaging studies revealed pseudoaneurysms in the superior mesenteric, hepatic, and left popliteal arteries 3 weeks after admission. No surgical indication was applied to these pseudoaneurysms because the patient remained comatose. On the 78th day after admission, the patient''s blood pressure suddenly dropped and he died. Autopsy demonstrated massive bleeding in the abdominal cavity caused by rupture of the superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm. Our patient''s clinical course was fulminant, his endocarditis being complicated by cerebral infarctions, intracranial hemorrhages, and multiple pseudoaneurysms within 3 weeks of admission. In retrospect, he may have survived if emergency resection of the mitral valve vegetation had been performed on the first or second day of admission; however, the in-hospital mortality rate after such surgery is high.     

CT pneumoangiogram sign following cardiopulmonary resuscitation: detrimental cerebral air embolism or postmortal blood replacement with air?

Massive air in the cerebral vessels (pneumoangiogram) on postmortal computed tomography (CT) examination after cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a 10-year-old child with severe thoracic trauma is reported and possible mechanism of pneumoangiogram is discussed. The patient suffered from severe head and chest injury and was transported to hospital in a cardiopulmonary arrest state. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not successful and to find the cause of death, postmortal cranial CT and supine chest X-radiography were performed. Chest X-ray revealed almost total obliteration of left pulmonary aeration as well as pneumomediastinum and bilateral hydropneumothorax. On CT scans, diffuse air was seen in the carotid arteries, middle and anterior cerebral arteries, the vertebral arteries, and in the right sigmoid sinus. This pneumoangiogram sign is believed to be the end result of pumped pneumothorax–pneumomediastinum air which was sucked through the lacerated thoracic great vessels via cardiac massage, replacing the emptied cerebral vessel lumens previously depleted of blood through massive thoracic hemorrhage and has nothing to do with a death contributing detrimental cerebral air embolism.     

脑创伤致迟发性脑梗死临床分析

目的探讨脑创伤后迟发脑梗死的发生机制,临床诊断及救治措施。方法对32例经影像学证实为颅脑创伤后迟发脑梗死患者的临床资料进行回顾分析。结果出院时按GOS标准评价:恢复良好12例、中残5例、重残4例、植物生存3例,死亡8例,其中非手术治疗20例,存活14例,死亡6例,死亡率30%;手术治疗12例,存活10例,死亡2例,死亡率17%。结论及时诊断与合理有效的治疗是提高脑创伤后迟发性脑梗死的治愈率及提高患者生存质量的关键。     

Delayed death after attempted suicide by hanging

In cases of hanging death usually occurs immediately after strangulation and is caused by ischemic cerebral damage due to neck compression in some cases in combination with respiratory obstruction. We report on a case of delayed death 4 days after an attempted suicide by hanging where the individual was conscious and showed no neurological abnormalities. The cause of death was a cerebral infarction following a trauamtic thrombosis of the subtotally ruptured carotid arteries. Received: 2 December 1996 / Received in revised form: 29 January 1997     

Autopsy case of undiagnosed gangliocytoma in the medulla oblongata complicated with cerebral palsy

A Japanese man in his 30s who had congenital cerebral palsy was found unresponsive in bed. His death was confirmed after resuscitation attempts. He had a history of occasional falling (despite the use of walking sticks and a wheelchair) owing to a slowly progressive gait disturbance, and had a medical examination without full neurological re-examination. Autopsy revealed gangliocytoma in the medulla oblongata, which was diagnosed as the cause of death. Although gangliocytoma is a well-differentiated benign tumor, the almost total replacement of the medulla oblongata by the tumor cells was assumed to result in ataxia via the olivocerebellar tract and secondary cerebellar atrophy, followed by central hypoventilation and death of the patient. The symptoms caused by gangliocytoma may be overlooked owing to long-standing cerebral palsy.     

Longitudinal CT study of parenchymal brain changes in glioma survivors

We reviewed the serial CT studies obtained between 1974 and 1986 of 31 patients with malignant glioma who survived for 2 to 11 years after surgical removal of their tumors. In all cases surgery was followed by radiation therapy to the head (6000 rad) and chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two age groups: those under age 40 (n = 13) and those over age 40 (n = 18). By 2 years all patients in the older group developed evidence of leukoencephalopathy characterized by periventricular zones of decreased attenuation. Only 58% of the younger group showed evidence of white matter changes at this point. All patients from both age groups who survived for 4 years developed leukoencephalopathy. The severity of leukoencephalopathy from 6 months after surgery and beyond was always greater in the older group. All patients developed cerebral atrophy as evidenced by sulcal dilatation and ventricular enlargement. Atrophy was progressive beginning with the first postirradiation scan, and was always more severe in the older patients. A significant difference was found in the clinical status of the two age groups as determined by the mental status score and the Karnofsky scale. Despite progressive brain changes, survivors under age 40 maintained a nearly normal mental status and Karnofsky scores until their death, whereas survivors over age 40 showed progressive clinical decline.     

高原紧急情况下对大批急进高原人群急性重症高原病的现场救治

目的：对高原紧急情况下大批急进高原人群急性重症高原病的现场救治进行探讨。方法：对＂4.14＂玉树抗震救灾期间在结古镇救治的18例急性重症高原病（高原肺水肿、高原脑水肿）患者的高原现场治疗情况进行分析。结果：现场救治18例急性重症高原病患者（其中高原肺水肿17例、高原肺水肿合并脑水肿1例）,治愈17例,现场治愈率94.44%,好转后送1例,好转率5.56%,无一例死亡。结论：高原紧急情况下大批急进高原人群因高原低压缺氧等引起的急性重症高原病,在高原现场救治的基础上,并积极地实施综合的救治措施,对有效地提高治愈率,降低死亡率具有重要的意义。     

Fatal hypernatremia after using salt as an emetic--report of three autopsy cases

Although a plethora of reports on life-threatening complications of salt emesis has been published since the early 1960s, salt is still used to induce emesis in cases of intoxication in the clinical as well as in the domestic setting. We report three cases of fatal hypernatremia after salt was used as an emetic. All fatalities were subjected to medico-legal autopsy at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg, Germany. In all cases, symptoms of cerebral damage such as seizures, fever and somnolence developed within hours after salt ingestion. All individuals were admitted to hospital before their deaths. Here, severe hypernatremia (up to 245 mmol/l) was detected, and all patients died under the clinical picture of cerebral edema despite intensive medical treatment. At autopsy, unspecific signs of a central regulatory failure were present. Histology revealed crenated red blood cells and few venous microthrombi in internal organs. Neuropathological investigations yielded no specific results but confirmed fatal cerebral edema and excluded other cerebral causes of death. Viewing the results of clinical and post-mortem investigations together, death could clearly be attributed to excessive salt intake in all cases.     

Changes of the cerebral mannitol concentrations in the course of brain death of a rodent model

Determining the time of brain death is one of the critical issues in forensic examinations. Few authors have attempted to determine the time of brain death using pharmacokinetic approaches. We investigated cerebral concentrations of mannitol of which a single dose (1 g/kg) was administered in the course of brain death. The inflation of an epidural balloon was adopted as a rodent model of brain death. Brain death was determined using ordinary tests. Specimens were collected 4 h after brain death. Brain water content was higher in brain dead (BD) groups than those in control groups. Cerebral concentrations of mannitol in the BD group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). In all areas of brain the concentration was the highest at the time when mannitol was administered during balloon inflation. Interhemispheric difference in the cerebrum was observed, followed by balloon inflation (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the average concentration of administered mannitol before and after brain death in the contralateral hemisphere (P<0.01) and in the brainstem (P<0.01). As the concentrations of mannitol in the brain are affected by cerebral trauma and brain death follows, mannitol can be used to determine the time of brain death at forensic examinations.     

大面积脑梗死不同时期去大骨瓣减压手术临床效果分析

目的探讨大面积脑梗死不同时期行去大骨瓣减压手术后的临床效果。方法对2006年1月—2010年12月,16例大面积脑梗死患者行去大骨瓣减压手术治疗的有关临床资料进行回顾性分析,其中早期(瞳孔等圆未大期)手术6例,中期(一侧瞳孔散大期)8例,晚期(双侧瞳孔散大期)2例。结果 16例中存活15例,晚期手术2例中死亡1例。早期手术组3个月后NIHSS评分及梗死对侧肢体肌力恢复情况明显优于中期及晚期手术组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论早期行去大骨瓣减压手术可明显改善大面积脑梗死患者神经功能。     

Die Bedeutung einer antezipierten Hirntodvermutung für den Vorwurf unterlassener Hilfeleistung gem. §323c StGB

Summary Brain death is usually not confirmed by neurological and angiographical techniques until long after it has actually taken place. In connection with a case in which expert testimony was heard, clinical and radiographic evidence and the autopsy statement are discussed as criteria of continuing development of brain edema; on the basis of the evidence it was possible to conclude that the cerebral circulation had not yet ceased at the time assumedHerrn Professor Dr. Wolfgang Schwerd, Würzburg, zum 65. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of brain death

The diagnosis of brain death requires: (1) the performance of all appropriate and therapeutic procedures; (2) the presence of cerebral unresponsivity, apnea, dilated pupils, absent cephalic reflexes, and electrocerebral silence; and (3) if one of these criteria cannot be tested or is met imprecisely, the performance of a confirmatory test to demonstrate the absence of cerebral blood flow. Selective cerebral arteriography has been the most widely used method of assessing cerebral blood flow. Digital intravenous angiography was used as a means of evaluating cerebral blood flow, and it was found to be a useful confirmatory test in the diagnosis of brain death.     

Stable xenon CT cerebral blood flow imaging: rationale for and role in clinical decision making

The stable xenon CT method of measuring cerebral blood flow has been investigated in research studies for over 10 years. Recently, it has been gaining clinical acceptance, primarily owing to a combination of several unique advantages it holds over other cerebral blood flow measurement techniques. The accuracy of this technique in quantifying low cerebral blood flow gives it a unique application in cases of brain death and acute stroke and it can be repeated after an interval of 20 min. making it possible to evaluate autoregulation and cerebrovascular reserve. Furthermore, cerebral blood flow information is directly coupled to CT anatomy. Although it is more difficult to administer than a standard CT scan, careful monitoring can ensure patient safety during the examination. In this article we review the physiologic and technical bases for the clinical application of xenon CT-derived quantitative cerebral blood flow information and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the technique. We also describe its current clinical applications, including its usefulness in the evaluation of acute stroke, occlusive vascular disease, carotid occlusion testing, vasospasm, arteriovenous malformations, and head trauma management.     

脑损伤及胎脑移植的实验研究

目的　观察胎脑细胞悬液延迟移植于脑损伤的生长情况。　方法　46只SD大鼠采用自由落体撞击法制备脑损伤模型。16只仅做单纯脑损伤,伤后14,20,30,40d处死大鼠做HE染色形态学观察;另30只做胎脑移植,于伤后14d做同种胎脑经机械分离的细胞悬液延迟移植,移植后1,5,14,30,75d处死大鼠做HE染色形态学观察。　结果　所有实验大鼠生长良好,无肢体偏瘫。胎脑细胞悬液浓度为4.48×107/ml,活细胞占85.3％,神经细胞占48.2％。伤后14d表现为陈旧性损伤,随时间推移,创伤灶被胶质细胞充填。移植后5d出现免疫细胞,14d胎脑细胞存活,宿主的毛细血管、胶质细胞增生,30d胎脑细胞发生分化,75d胎脑细胞与宿主相互融合。免疫细胞和小部分移植物碎片同时始终存在。　结论　大鼠脑损伤后行胎脑细胞悬液移植,移植物是可以存活并可能发挥功能的。     

Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of ischemic brain lesions in the survivors of monochorionic twin pregnancies: report of 3 cases

The death of 1 twin of monochorionic pairs is associated with a significant risk of brain hypoxic-ischemic damage in the survivor. Ultrasound may diagnose cerebral anomalies only a few weeks after the event. We report 3 cases of single survivors of monochorionic-twin pregnancies in which prenatal magnetic resonance imaging detected brain changes earlier and with better definition of the brain abnormalities than ultrasound.     

高血压性脑出血早期血肿扩大因素及预后分析

目的探讨高血压性脑出血后早期血肿扩大的因素及因血肿扩大对患者预后的影响。方法对高血压性脑出血后早期血肿扩大的71例患者及无早期血肿扩大的71例患者临床资料进行回顾性分析,在治疗6个月后按格拉斯哥结果分级及日常生活活动能力对两组患者进行对比分析。结果血压稳定的患者发生早期血肿扩大明显低于血压不稳定的患者(P<0.01);丘脑部位的出血易发生早期血肿扩大(P<0.05);血肿量的大小与早期血肿扩大无明显关系;不规则形态的血肿较形态规则的血肿易发生早期血肿扩大(P<0.01);存在凝血功能异常的患者易发生早期血肿扩大。早期血肿扩大会明显增加患者的死亡率和重残率,降低患者的痊愈率,与对照组相比差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01);ADLⅠ级明显差于对照组(P<0.01),而在ADLⅡ～Ⅴ级方面,两组之间无差异(P>0.05)。结论患者血压的稳定性、血肿的部位、血肿的形态以及患者凝血功能有无异常均与脑出血后早期血肿扩大有关。高血压性脑出血早期扩大会增加患者的病残率及死亡率。     

Contrast bolus technique with rapid CT scanning a reliable diagnostic tool for the determination of brain death

Summary Twenty-three patients complying with the clinical criteria for brain death were studied by contrast-enhanced CT. In all but one, the great intracranial vessels escaped visualization; accordingly, angiography demonstrated cerebral circulatory arrest. In the remaining case, faint enhancement of the circle of Willis corresponded to angiographic demonstration of the proximal segments of cerebral arteries. Neither in normal brain nor in dead brain did slow CT scanning disclose any postcontrast increase in parenchymal attenuation. An improved technique is proposed to demonstrate the transit of the contrast bolus by rapid CT with image splitting. If cerebral blood flow is preserved, the grey and white matter will enhance significantly following administration of contrast medium. Vice versa, the absence of enhancement confirms brain death, even in instances in which the great cerebral vessels are obscured by hemorrhage or other extensive lesions. Two additional cases of brain death were evaluated by rapid CT scanning. As to brain death, the technique obviates the need for angiography or radionuclide angiography, usually applied in prospective organ donors, because its informative content is superior to that of either method. The CT technique described affords a reliable and safe diagnosis of brain death, and can be interpreted easily.