Asymmetry of cerebral autoregulation following head injury.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate asymmetry of cerebra autoregulation in head-injured patients with lateral brain contusions. METHODS: Sixty five patients were admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital suffering from head injuries with mean Glasgow Coma Score 6 (range 3 to 10). The patients were paralyzed, sedated and ventilated to achieve mild hypocapnia. Intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial pressure (ABP) were monitored directly. The left and right Middle Cerebral Arteries were insonated daily and flow velocity (FV) was recorded. Correlation coefficients between slow waves in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and FV were calculated for every 3 minute period. Positive value of Mx denotes a positive association between waves in FV and CPP, therefore deranged autoregulation. Zero or slightly negative value of Mx denotes a good autoregulatory capacity. In each patient all CT scans were reviewed to assess a dominant side of brain contusion and a level of brain compression. RESULTS: The side-to-side difference in FV, pulsatility indices or critical closing pressures, did not correlate with the side of contusion or midline shift. In contrary, the side-to-side difference in Mx indices were significantly (p < 0.05) worse at a side of contusion and at the side of brain expansion in patients presenting with a midline shift (p < 0.05). Of those patients who died in hospital, significantly more presented within meaningful (ABS(Mx) > 0.2) asymmetry in cerebral autoregulation (40% versus 12%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Side-to-side difference in cerebral hemodynamic reserve of injured brain is a predictor of fatal outcome following head injury and correlates with the side of contusion or brain expansion.