Brain edema – a new classification

Abstract

Brain edema is a reaction to any brain injury and can be the first stage in the beginning of intracranial hypertension. This paper puts forth a modern classification of brain edema types, based on a etiopathogenic interpretation. The hydroelectrolitic and/or proteinic buildup can occur within cells and/or in the extracellular space and differentiates three types of brain edema: cellular brain edema; extracellular brain edema and combined brain edema. Cellular brain edema (cytotoxic brain edema) occurs through intracellular hyperosmolarity or extracellular hypotonicity. Extracellular brain edema (interstitial) appears as a result of the buildup of edema fluid in the extracellular space of the brain parenchyma and can be: hydrostatic extracellular brain edema (through ultrafiltration), oncotical extracellular brain edema (vasogen brain edema) and hydrocephalic extracellular brain edema. Combined brain edema includes in variable ratios both types of brain edema, cellular and extracellular; they can be present together from the beginning or can appear successively.