BRAIN-DEATH - MR AND MR-ANGIOGRAPHY

Four patients in whom brain death was identified on the basis of neuro logic and electroencephalographic findings were examined with MR imagi ng and MR angiography. MR images showed diffuse swelling of the cerebr al gyri and cerebellar cortex, with prolongation of both the T1 and T2 signal (representing hypoxic ischemic brain injury), downward displac ement of the diencephalon and the brain stem (central and tonsillar he rniation), and loss of flow void in the intracranial portions of both internal carotid arteries. MR angiograms did not show the intracranial vessels above the level of the supraclinoid portion of the internal c arotid arteries. MR angiography and MR imaging are noninvasive and rel iable methods for use in determining brain death.