It Is Time for High Resolution Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement at the Bed Side

Abstract: There continues to be the clinical need for access to quantitative CBF studies at the bedside in the NICU. The ability of XenonCT CBF studies to define regions of the brain with core, penumbral and oligemia flow values distinct from regions with no ischemic risk is critical to decision making. Because xenon is a very lipid soluable radiodense noble gas its rapid movement into the brain can be measuered with repeated CT scans. After a baseline study and study can be repeated within 10 minutes to examine flow response to a test or theapeutic intervention. This test/retest ability provides essention information to many patients that require NICU care. The presence of more than 2000 neuro critical care physicians today are ideally situated to perform, interpret and guide these studies. With the arrival of new bedside CT technology XenonCT CBF should be reexamined for playing a central role in the care of brain injured patients.