[The effect of blood-filled meshwork of arachnoid villi in connection with posttraumatic brain edema (author's transl)].

Based on the Kellie-Munro doctrine according to which the intracranial compartments--blood, brain, and CSF--are in a state of pressure and volume equilibrium, we examined if traumatic lesions of the liquor absorption passages could change the intracranial pressure (ICP). Therefore, we reviewed the arachnoid villi and granulations of patients which died as a result of head injuries. In cases of traumatic subarachnoidal hemorrhages the meshwork of arachnoid villi are filled throughout with blood. By microscopical examination we observed findings in the network of spaces of the villi like they are known in prestatic and static conditions of capillary system (clothing of erythrocytes). The pathophysiological significance of the findings, especially with regard to the dynamic of posttraumatic brain edema, is discussed.