Brain swelling and ischaemia in Kenyans with cerebral malaria.

• DOI: 10.1136/adc.70.4.281
• Publication Date: 2008-12-22T23:07:28Z
• Authors: C R Newton; N Peshu; B Kendall; F J Kirkham; A Sowunmi; C Waruiru; I Mwangi; S A Murphy; K Marsh
• Keywords: Cerebral Malaria; Cerebral edema; Brain damage; Brain Edema; Pseudotumor cerebri

Computed tomography was performed on 14 unconscious Kenyan children recovering from cerebral malaria (seven of whom had another scan 12-120 days later) to elucidate the cause intracranial hypertension and neurological sequelae. Brain swelling, defined as a loss cerebrospinal fluid spaces, documented in six children, while further two conspicuously small ventricles only. There severe with definite brain swelling pressure monitored. no evidence acute hydrocephalus or vasogenic oedema. Four also widespread low density areas suggestive ischaemic damage. The patterns damage were not uniform but consistent critical reduction perfusion (which this monitored), hypoglycaemia, status epilepticus. All four serious These data suggest that injury may be due part secondary systemic factors well direct effect intravascular sequestration.