Neurological determination of death in isolated brainstem lesions: A case report to highlight the issues involved
Recommended Citation
Manara A, Varelas PN, Smith M. Neurological determination of death in isolated brainstem lesions: A case report to highlight the issues involved. Journal of the Intensive Care Society 2019; .
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2019
Publication Title
Journal of the Intensive Care Society
Abstract
The neurological determination of death in patients with isolated brainstem lesions or by disruption of the posterior cerebral circulation is uncommon and many intensivists may never see such a case in their career. It is also the only major difference between the “whole brain” and “brain stem” formulations for the neurological determination of death. We present a case of a patient with infarction of the structures supplied by the posterior cerebral circulation in whom death was diagnosed using neurological criteria, to illustrate the issues involved. We also suggest that international consensus may be achieved if ancillary tests, such as CT angiography, are made mandatory in this situation o demonstrate loss of blood flow in the anterior cerebral circulation as well the posterior circulation.
PubMed ID
32782467
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
