Comparing CT angiography and four‑vessel angiogram to confirm complete cerebral infarction (brain death)
A Comparison of Computed Tomography-Angiography Versus Four-vessel Angiography in the Determination of Brain Death
This project will test whether CT angiography can replace four‑vessel angiography to confirm complete cerebral infarction (brain death) in adults receiving critical care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Region Stockholm Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Trial ID | NCT07341490 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study at Karolinska University Hospital compares a novel CT angiography protocol with conventional four‑vessel angiography as ancillary tests to determine complete cerebral infarction. Eligible adults have severe acute brain injury and require four‑vessel angiography under Swedish law, while patients on ECMO or deemed too unstable for CT are excluded. Imaging will be performed per clinical need and the CT protocol's diagnostic performance will be compared to the four‑vessel angiogram using measures such as concordance, sensitivity, and specificity. The goal is to determine whether the CT protocol can provide equivalent diagnostic information with fewer risks or logistical challenges.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) in intensive care with severe acute brain injury who require four‑vessel angiography to determine complete cerebral infarction, are not on ECMO, and are stable enough for CT are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients on ECMO, those judged too unstable for CT, pediatric patients, or cases where four‑vessel angiography is not required are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CT angiography could offer a faster, less invasive way to confirm complete cerebral infarction, reducing reliance on conventional angiography and risky transfers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising but variable results for CT angiography as an ancillary test for brain death, so this specific protocol aims to standardize and validate the approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years or older * Ongoing critical care due to severe acute brain injury * Four vessel angiography necessary for the determination of complete cerebral infarction, according to Swedish legislation Exclusion Criteria: * Treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) * Radiologic examination by computed tomography deemed too challenging due to respiratory or circulatory instability, as determined by responsible clinician
Where this trial is running
Stockholm
- Karolinska University Hospital — Stockholm, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Peter C Rudberg, M.D. Ph.D.
- Email: peter.rudberg@ki.se
- Phone: +46-8-1237000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.