[Treatment of ischemic cerebral edema with intracranial hypertension after neurosurgery of intracranial aneurysms].

Ischemic cerebral edema frequently develops after aneurysm surgery and may lead to severe intracranial hypertension. Of prime importance are reducing the level of ICP and preserving oligemic areas from becoming infarcted. Besides correction of factors known to worsen intracranial hypertension, several therapeutics may be of value: external CSF drainage, perfusion of mannitol, induced arterial hypertension and use of anesthetic agents with cerebral vasoconstricting capability. Hyperventilation is not recommended. Arterial hypotension and hypovolemia certainly contribute to aggravate cerebral ischemia and must be corrected. Cerebral ischemia may be reduced by two specific approaches: by improving cerebral oxygen transport in ischemic areas using arterial hypertension and calcium blockers rather than hemodilution or hypervolemia; by reducing cerebral metabolic rates with heavy anesthesia under the cover of a complete cardiovascular monitoring. In view of the large heterogenicity in cerebral lesions and physiopathological stages, a therapeutical trial appears suitable in each individual case. Criteria allowing to know if any therapeutic, used alone or in association, is beneficial include increase in blood flow in ischemic areas, reduction of ICP level and normalizing of indices like CSF or venous jugular blood lactate.