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Results: Of the 13 patients with isolated posterior fossa activity, 10 deteriorated to death and three had life support withdrawn.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.