STANDARDIZING NEURORADIOLOGICAL ANCILLARY TESTING IN BRAIN DEATH DETERMINATION: A NATIONAL CLINICAL PROTOCOL FROM TÜRKIYE

Gul HATIPOGLU, Kamil KARAALI, Burak KOCAK, Derya BAKO, Mehmet Fatih ERBAY

Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology - 2026;32(6):858-861

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Clinic of Radiology, Ankara, Türkiye

 

This commentary introduces Türkiye's national clinical protocol for neuroradiological ancillary testing in brain death determination, which was developed to address persistent variability in imaging-based practice; it was first published in Turkish (2025) and subsequently translated into English (2026). It outlines a pragmatic national framework for the standardized use, interpretation, and reporting of computed tomography angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography while reaffirming that brain death remains a clinical diagnosis. By emphasizing practical examples, structured reporting, common pitfalls, and pediatric considerations, the protocol aims to improve consistency and interpretive reliability while contributing to the broader international discussion on ancillary testing.