Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has come into practice since mid 80’s to assess brain perfusion in comatose patients. The authors present a set of 40 patients enrolled between 9/96 and 2/00 who were suspected to be brain dead according to clinical examination and TCD. 33 patients were scheduled for angiography. In 29 patients, brain death was pronounced. 23 patients were offered for transplantation programs. The authors conclude that TCD represents a method that contributes to diagnosis of brain death. It can be used for select ion prior to angiography. It helps to decide whether angiography should be performed or temporarily withhold. It seems to be a valuable component in a decision-making process.

        Key words: brain death - transcranial Doppler - angiography - transplantation