Microvascular Dysfunction in Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Hypoperfusion Within the Infarct Posttreatment Are Associated With Cerebral Edema

Factors contributing to cerebral edema in the post-hyperacute period of ischemic stroke (first 24-72 hours) are poorly understood. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and postischemic hyperperfusion reflect microvascular dysfunction and are associated with hemorrhagic transformation. We investigated the relationships between BBB integrity, cerebral blood flow, and space-occupying cerebral edema in patients who received acute reperfusion therapy.