Predictors of Fatal Brain Edema in Massive Hemispheric Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Among patients with large MCA infarctions, an increased risk of fatal brain edema is associated with history of hypertension or heart failure, increased baseline white blood cell count, major early CT hypodensity involving >50% of the MCA territory, and involvement of additional vascular territories. These data confirm and expand on prior research with a broad-based patient population. The presence of these risk factors identifies those stroke patients who may require aggressive therapeutic approaches.