B-0169 High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs in brain dead pigs: a feasibility study

G. Bozovic, S. Steen, T. Sjöberg, C. Schaefer-Prokop, J. Verschakelen, Q. Liao, R. Siemund, I. Björkman-Burtscher | Thursday, March 7, 14:00 – 15:30 / Room D1

Purpose: Brain death has adverse effects on lung perfusion and ventilation with possible damage of lung parenchyma pre-transplantation. We wanted to assess brain dead subjects treated with a new drug regime with HRCT as a pre-transplant work-up.
Methods and Materials: Eleven pigs were decapitated (DC) assuring brain death, attached to ventilator and treated with a new drug regime optimising circulation thereby preventing lung edema. Thirteen non-decapitated pigs (N-DC) attached to ventilator, supported with conventional treatment served as controls. All were monitored 24h and thereafter examined with chest HRCT. Images were analysed by two radiologists using a pre-defined questionnaire assessing parenchymal and airway changes. In consensus, an overall conclusion inferred presence of edema, infection/atelectasis or airway pathology. Severity was estimated with a subjective scale.
Results: After 24h there were no significant differences between the groups regarding mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO₂/FiO₂), amount of infused fluid, urine production or clinical signs of edema. Both groups showed parenchymal changes in a comparable extent (consolidation in 6/11 (DC) and 10/13 (N-DC) and GGO in 6/11 (DC) and 9/13 (N-DC), respectively). Overall conclusion appraised the presence of oedema in 2/11 (DC) but none of the N-DC pigs, signs of old/ recent infection in 6/11 (DC) and 7/13 (N-DC) and possible hypersensitive pneumonitis in 1/13 (N-DC).
Conclusion: After 24h, there were no significant differences in clinical and imaging findings between the groups supporting the successful hemodynamic optimising with the new drug regime. HRCT allows evaluation of pre-transplant lungs.

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