An unexpected ending: brain death following acute severe asthma
Date
2008
Authors
Galluccio, S.
Rai, S.
Sharley, P.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Critical Care and Resuscitation, 2008; 10(3):235-238
Statement of Responsibility
Steven T Galluccio, Sumeet Rai and Peter Sharley
Conference Name
Abstract
A 56-year-old woman presented to our hospital with acute severe asthma. As a consequence of severe refractory airflow limitation, moderate hypercapnia ensued for several days. Unexpectedly, the patient died as a result of brain stem herniation, in the absence of hypoxaemia, arterial hypotension or an intracranial mass lesion. We discuss the mechanisms that may have precipitated severe intracranial hypertension resulting in brain death, and the possible methods to detect and avoid such a devastating consequence.