Vasogenic edema

Vasogenic edema is a type of brain edema that results from the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, leading to an increase in the extracellular fluid in the brain. This condition is often associated with brain tumors, brain injury, and infections of the central nervous system.

Causes

Vasogenic edema is primarily caused by the disruption of the blood-brain barrier. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including brain tumors, brain injury, infections of the central nervous system, and inflammation. In some cases, vasogenic edema can also be caused by hypertension or ischemic stroke.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vasogenic edema can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the area of the brain affected. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and neurological deficits such as aphasia, hemiparesis, and visual field defects. In severe cases, vasogenic edema can lead to brain herniation, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of vasogenic edema is typically made based on medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. These imaging studies can show areas of increased fluid in the brain, which is indicative of vasogenic edema.

Treatment

The treatment of vasogenic edema is primarily aimed at addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve surgery to remove a brain tumor, antibiotics to treat an infection, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In some cases, osmotic therapy may be used to help reduce the amount of fluid in the brain.

See also

• Cytotoxic edema
• Interstitial edema
• Brain herniation
• Blood-brain barrier