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A 51 year-old man was unresponsive after a cardiac arrest. Neurological examination demonstrated intact brainstem reflexes and extensor posturing. No evidence of cortical function was present. |
| Anoxic Encephalopathy (Diffuse Cerebral Edema): Diffusion-weighted axial MRI images of the brain, day 1. Note the numerous areas of infarction, both in the cortex and subcortical areas. This is the pattern seen with diffuse anoxia as occurs post-cardiac arrest. If the patient survives, they remain in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). In PVS, there is complete destruction of the cortex with sparing of the brainstem. |
Revised
11/29/06
Copyrighted 2006. David C Preston