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Experimental intracerebral mass: description of model, intracranial pressure changes and neuropathology
T A Kingman1, A D Mendelow, D I Graham
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Abstract:
In a rodent model designed to replicate the mass effects of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, we have found that there is little change in intracranial pressure (ICP) with microballoons (25 microliters and 50 microliters in volume) equivalent in size to those lesions which occur with this disorder in man. With larger volumes (100 microliters) there is an increase in ICP which is associated with systemic effects on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Neuropathological evidence of ischemic brain damage was found surrounding the mass in all animals, but this was independent of whether the mass was removed or not. These studies suggest that with a mass that corresponds to the size seen most commonly with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in man, focal ischemic brain damage is produced without reduction in global CPP.
Insights
Small intracerebral hemorrhage masses in rodents caused focal ischemic brain damage without affecting intracranial pressure or global cerebral perfusion pressure. Larger masses increased intracranial pressure and affected cerebral perfusion pressure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a critical neurological condition.
- Understanding the mass effect of ICH is crucial for predicting patient outcomes.
- Rodent models are used to study ICH pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) changes associated with varying volumes of simulated intracerebral hemorrhage.
- To assess the neuropathological consequences, specifically ischemic brain damage, in relation to mass volume and surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A rodent model was utilized to simulate spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage using microballoons of different volumes (25, 50, and 100 microliters).
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored.
- Neuropathological examination was performed to evaluate ischemic brain damage surrounding the simulated lesion, with and without mass removal.
Main Results:
- Microballoons of 25 and 50 microliters, mimicking common human ICH lesion sizes, caused minimal changes in ICP.
- A 100 microliter volume led to increased ICP and systemic effects on CPP.
- Ischemic brain damage was observed around the simulated hematoma in all animals, irrespective of mass removal.
Conclusions:
- Simulated intracerebral hemorrhage masses common in size to human spontaneous ICH cause focal ischemic brain damage without significantly reducing global CPP.
- Larger simulated ICH volumes can elevate ICP and impact CPP, suggesting a volume-dependent effect.
- Focal ischemia appears to be an intrinsic consequence of the hematoma mass itself, independent of immediate ICP reduction or surgical decompression.