Salam, today i have a case presentation with Dr Ko Ko Aung. There were 2 cases has been presented today and both cases were neurological cases; Cerebrovascular accident. Then I would like to share some of the so called "exam questions" with all of u.

One of the question that he asked the presenter was "what is ischemic penumbra?" actually I already have bedside teaching with him and he already asked this question. But, as usual human tends to ignore and forget... hehe

So today I would like to share with all of u what does it mean by ischemic penumbra and what is important with it.

Within the ischemic cerebrovascular bed, there are two major zones of injury: the core ischemic zone and the "ischemic penumbra" (the term generally used to define ischemic but still viable cerebral tissue).

In the core zone, which is an area of severe ischemia (blood flow below 10% to 25%), the loss of inadequate supply of oxygen and glucose results in rapid depletion of energy stores. Severe ischemia can result in necrosis of neurons and also of supporting cellular elements (glial cells) within the severely ischemic area.

Brain cells within the penumbra, a rim of mild to moderately ischemic tissue lying between tissue that is normally perfused and the area in which infarction is evolving, may remain viable for several hours. That is because the penumbral zone is supplied with blood by collateral arteries anastomosing with branches of the occluded vascular tree. However, even cells in this region will die if reperfusion is not established during the early hours since collateral circulation is inadequate to maintain the neuronal demand for oxygen and glucose indefinitely. The extent of the penumbra varies directly with the number and patency of collateral arteries.

The penumbra is where pharmacologic interventions are most likely to be effective. However, it may also be possible to salvage cells within the severely ischemic core zone. Although severe ischemia kills selectively vulnerable neurons, glial cells may be spared if blood flow is restored early. Therefore, timely recanalization of the occluded vessel should theoretically restore perfusion in both the penumbra and in the severely ischemic core. Partial recanalization should markedly reduce the size of the penumbra as well.

For further information and illustration, u can click to this website:
http://www.strokecenter.org/education/ais_pathogenesis/22_ischemic_penumbra.htm

So, till then i'll see u all next time. Enjoy reading!