We report the time course of intracranial pressure within a developing intracerebral haemorrhage. Simultaneous readings of intracranial pressure were obtained from a contralateral parenchymal monitor and ventricular fluid pressure monitor. This recording demonstrates the existence of large pressure gradients in patients with expanding mass lesions.
As early as 1855 van Bergmann recognised that intracompartmental pressure gradients could exist. There is experimental evidence that these gradients occur around a focal lesion and that they might adversely affect the perfusion of already ischaemic tissue. Much of the work on intracranial pressure gradients is experimental and there have been a few studies where these gradients have been assessed in humans.
We report a unique instance of the increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) inside a developing intracranial haemorrhage which formed around the site of an intraparenchymal monitor. Simultaneous readings were obtained from a second independent parenchyrnal ICP monitor, which had been inserted on the ipsilateral side to the haemorrhage and a ventricular catheter.
Chambers IR, Banister K, Mendelow AD. Intracranial pressure within a developing intercerebral haemorrhage. British Journal of Neurosurgery 2001; 15(2): 140-141.
Dr. Iain R. Chambers, Cleveland Unit, Middlesbrough. Tel: +44 (0)1642-854-778.
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