The Effect of Dexamethasone on Water and Electrolyte Content and on rCBF in Perifocal Brain Edema in Man

The results of clinical studies are reported dealing with the relationship between cerebral edema and regional cerebral blood flow in patients with brain tumor as well as with the effect of dexamethasone on this relationship. rCBF is found to be significantly reduced in brain tissue surrounding brain tumors. Autoregulation as well as cerebrovascular reactivity to PaCO2 is focally or generally impaired. Water content of perifocal white matter is markedly increased. The combination of tissue lactacidosis, low regional blood flow and vasoparalysis seems to be a characteristic finding in this type of local brain edema. The increased local tissue pressure, due to the increased tissue water conte…