Comparing two imaging tests to confirm severe brain injury

When someone suffers a severe acute brain injury, doctors need to confirm whether blood flow to the entire brain has completely stopped. This study compares two imaging methods—a CT scan with contrast dye and a traditional four-vessel angiogram—to see which one is better at confirming this condition. Both tests show blood flow patterns in the brain and help doctors make this critical determination.

Currently, doctors use a detailed angiogram (four-vessel angiography) as the standard test to confirm complete loss of brain blood flow. Researchers want to see if a newer CT imaging technique could be just as accurate but potentially faster and easier to perform in critically ill patients.