A Prognostic Model Combining MRI and EEG for Postanoxic Myoclonus

Continuous EEG and absence of anoxic changes on MRI were highly sensitive and specific.

The presence of postanoxic myoclonus (PAM) following cardiac arrest has long been thought to portend a poor neurological prognosis. Most prognostic models attempt to predict poor outcome, but few incorporate both MRI and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Now, investigators have developed a prognostic model using combined MRI and EEG findings to predict neurological recovery in patients with PAM.

Prospective registry data from four academic centers were used to develop a dataset of 78 patients with PAM who received an MRI within 20 days of cardiac arrest. Of these, 14.1% were following commands at discharge, and 7.7% achieved a good neurological outcome at 3 months. A simple prognostic model consisting of a continuous EEG and absence of anoxic…

Reviewing Author

Craig Williamson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNational Football League

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsNeurocritical Care