Brain edema is associated with: (A) Increase in ECF volume, (B) Increase brain water content, (C) Increase volume in interstitial space, (D) None of the above
Answer is A. (A) Increase in ECF volume # Vasogenic edema occurs when the integrity of the normal blood-brain barrier is disrupted. With increased vascular permeability, fluid shifts from the vascular compartment into intercellular spaces of the brain (ECF compartment). Vasogenic edema can be either localized-because of abnormal permeability of vessels adjacent to inflammation or tumors-or generalized.> Cytotoxic edema implies an increase in intracellular fluid secondary to neuronal, glial, or endothelial cell membrane injury, as might be encountered in an individual with a generalized hypoxic/ischemic insult or with exposure to some toxins.