Hepato-neuro lab

Cerebral edema

Brain edema, an accumulation of water which leads to swelling of the brain, is commonly associated with HE. In acute liver failure, brain edema contributes to an increase in pressure in the skull which can be fatal. In cirrhosis, even though an increase in pressure within the skull is not observed, brain edema is still present. An accumulation of water in the brain is primarily due to swelling of the astrocytes (a type of brain cell). Astrocytes work very closely with neurons to help maintain normal brain function. However, swollen astrocytes lead to dysfunction in neurons and therefore brain function is impaired.

Learn more on cerebral edema and Bosoi et al, 2013.

Both versions of cerebral edema, both causing a water entrance to brain tissue.
Both versions of cerebral edema, both causing a water entrance to brain tissue.

From Bosoi et al, Neurochem Int, 2013



Reference

  1. Cristina R. Bosoi, Christopher F. Rose (2013) Brain edema in acute liver failure and chronic liver disease: Similarities and differences. Neurochem Int, 62: 446-457. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.015