What radiotracers, such as the one in this case would allow for delayed imaging?
99mTc-HMPAO (this case) or 99mTc-ECD
What Nuclear Medicine signs are presented in these images?
Empty light bulb sign and Hot nose sign
Can a diagnosis of brain death be made based on this scan?
No, the scan is an ancillary, confirmatory test that assist clinicians in making a clinical diagnosis of brain death.
Anterior and lateral planar views from a Tc99m-HMPAO brain death study demonstrate complete lack of intracranial uptake (empty light bulb sign). Non-specific, incidental, "hot nose sign" is also demonstrated. Note that the "hot nose" actually corresponds central upper cervical uptake on lateral images, it is often misattributed to external carotid artery uptake in the nasal soft tissues.