CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN TRAUMATIC CONTUSIONS IS PREDOMINANTLY REDUCEDAFTER AN INDUCED ACUTE ELEVATION OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION PRESSURE

Abstract

Our findings suggest that CPP elevation induced by norepinephrine is effective in improving contusional rCBF only in selected cases, which are represented by a subset of contusions with critical perfusion, which can be identified by rCBF measurements. Conversely, in contusions with rCBF higher than critical low values, the CPP elevation could probably induce a temporary breakdown of the blood brain barrier, and the norepinephrine leads to a vasoconstriction with a worsening of regional perfusion.