How an MRI could help predict neurological outcomes of cardiac arrest patients
The damage left with someone who has survived from cardiac arrest reaches beyond just physical. The longevity of such unfortunate neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest survivors is a diagnostic mystery for many clinicians.
However, according to an article from Cardiovascular Business, a new study published by Radiology shows that an MRI could help predict the long-term neurological outcomes of cardiac arrest survivors.
An analysis of 46 patients from three hospitals in France and Belgium showed MR imaging within a month following cardiac arrest more accurately forecasted both favorable and unfavorable outcomes in patients who’d slipped into a coma following their heart failure, according to CVB.
“Survivors suffer from varying degrees of anoxic brain injury with long-term functional disability and cognitive impairment,” lead author of the study Robert D. Stevens, MD wrote. “A challenge in the care of patients after CA is that individuals with similarly manifesting characteristics may have markedly different outcomes, ranging from death or states of chronically depressed consciousness to complete recovery.”
To learn more about the study, its methods and detailed findings, see here.
A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.