Diagnosing brain death by CT perfusion and multislice CT angiography.

Introduction: Although the diagnosis of brain death (BD) is usually based on clinical criteria, in sedated patients, ancillary techniques are needed. This study was designed to assess the accuracy of cerebral multislice computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) in diagnosing BD.

Methods: Prospective observational study in 27 BD patients.

Mechanical ventilation causes monocyte deactivation in intact and endotoxin-treated mice.

Background: Monocyte deactivation, defined as the decrease of surface expression of class II molecules of the main histocompatibility complex (MHC) on circulating monocytes, can occur after severe injuries, like trauma, sepsis, or major surgery. We hypothesized that mechanical ventilation could also be a cause.

Methods: Prospective experimental study.