Pathology and pathophysiology of brain ischaemia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pathophysiology
• Cerebrovascular Diseases

Background:

• Established views on cerebral ischemia pathophysiology are being re-evaluated.
• Recent experimental results and novel animal models provide new insights.
• Understanding the mechanisms of brain damage due to impaired blood flow is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings challenging current understanding of cerebral ischemia.
• To outline macroscopical and microscopical lesions in the human brain following ischemia.
• To describe the characteristics and causes of various ischemic brain injuries.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent experimental data and animal models.
• Outline of human brain lesions (macroscopical and microscopical).
• Description of infarct types, topography, and etiology.

Main Results:

• Cerebral ischemic changes can manifest as regional or total lesions.
• Detailed descriptions of cerebral infarcts, lacunes, and venous infarcts are provided.
• Consequences of severe or total cerebral ischemia are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Recent data necessitate a revision of cerebral ischemia pathophysiology.
• A comprehensive understanding of ischemic lesion types and their origins is presented.
• The impact of compromised cerebral blood supply on brain tissue is highlighted.