Perioperative estimation of the intracranial pressure using the optic nerve sheath diameter during liver transplantation.

ABSTRACT

An elevation of the intracranial pressure (ICP) secondary to cerebral edema is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in acute liver failure. In addition, invasive ICP monitoring in this setting is controversial because coagulopathy predisposes patients to hemorrhagic complications. In this case report, we describe the novel use of optic nerve sheath diameter monitoring as a noninvasive modality for checking for acute elevations in ICP in this setting. Because of the merits of rapidly evolving ultrasound technologies, this may serve as a safe method for improving patient care in this setting.