Reverse flow in the intracranial arteries--the possible significance of comparative flow in the anterior cerebral and the basilar arteries.

Four infants with reverse flow patterns of the intracranial arteries are reported. Two with severe brain damage, had a reverse flow pattern in the anterior cerebral artery, which was recorded during the recovery stage from cardiac arrest. The other two patients showed a reverse flow pattern in the basilar artery and had a good prognosis. Reverse flow in the anterior cerebral artery suggests severe brain damage, but that in the basilar artery does not.