Influence of enflurane on cerebral blood flow in man

Cerebral blood flow was measured by means of a 10-channel cerebrograph in anesthetised patients before and during 2% enflurane. This investigation was carried out after carotid angiography; 2-3 mCi Xe133 was injected into the internal carotid artery. The clearance curves of Xe133 were captured by 10 scintillation counters. In addition to regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and arterial blood gases were measured in seven adult patients. During 2% enflurane, a small, and in two regions a significant decrease in rCBF was observed. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate decreased significantly, but cardiac output did not. The decrease in PaCO2 was not significant.