Neuroimaging and neuropsychological consequences of cardiac arrest.

Abstract

FIGURE 1. MRI has shown promise for differentiating survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) with a poor prognosis from those individuals who are more likely to recover. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences are both of value during the acute stage, although DWI may provide visualization of some areas of injury earlier than FLAIR. Poor outcome (death, vegetative state, or severe disability) is associated with more widespread and severe areas of abnormality. Left: A DWI scan result of a middle-aged patient obtained approximately 36 hours after CA is essentially normal, showing no evidence of acute hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. An EEG obtained in the first 24 hours shows diffuse background slowing. Right: A DWI scan of a young adult patient obtained approximately 48 hours after CA demonstrates widespread diffuse acute hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. An EEG obtained in the first 24 hours after CA shows a burst suppression pattern.