The role of endothelial gap junctions in the enlargement of chronic subdural hematomas.

The structure of macrocapillaries (also called 'sinusoids") in the outer membrane of chronic subdural hematomas was investigated by electron microscopy, with particular attention paid to vascular permeability. One characteristic of macrocapillaries is the frequent formation of gap junctions between adjacent endothelial cells. In endothelial gap junctions 0.6 to 8 microns in diameter, numerous blood components, including red blood cells and plasma, can be seen squeezing or spilling into the interstitial space of the outer membrane. Irregularly deformed erythrocytes are located around the macrocapillaries, and amorphous material is seen among scattered thin collagen fibers. It is suggested that endothelial gap junctions of macrocapillaries play an important role in the leakage of blood, causing enlargement of chronic subdural hematomas.