Technetium-99m ethylene cysteine dimer posterior fossa perfusion and brain death

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of and outcome in patients with isolated posterior fossa uptake on cerebral perfusion scan.

Methods:

A retrospective review was undertaken of electronic medical records over 6 years from 713 consecutive patients undergoing technetium-99m ethyl cysteine dimer cerebral perfusion scans to identify isolated posterior fossa activity.

Results:

Of the 13 patients with isolated posterior fossa activity, 10 deteriorated to death and three had life support withdrawn. They survived an average of 0.24 day ± 0.27 standard deviation (SD) days after scanning and an average of 1.03 ± 0.33 SD days on life support.

Conclusion:

Unilateral or bilateral isolated posterior fossa technetium-99m ethyl cysteine dimer activity indicates imminent or impending brain death and a poor prognosis.

Keywords::

• isolated posterior fossa activity
• cerebral perfusion scan
• brain death
• technetium-99m ethyl cysteine dimer