Duret haemorrhages

Duret haemorrhages
Brainstem

Duret haemorrhages are small linear areas of bleeding in the midbrain and upper pons of the brainstem. They are caused by a traumatic downward displacement of the brainstem.^[1]

They are named after Henri Duret.

Causes

Duret haemorrhages are named after Henri Duret,^[2] who discovered these brainstem lesions in dogs with increased intracranial pressure.^[3] They are small linear areas of bleeding in the midbrain and upper pons of the brainstem.^{[citation needed]}

They are caused by a traumatic downward displacement of the brainstem with parahippocampal gyrus herniation through the

The pathophysiological mechanism is uncertain[7] but is probably caused by the displacement of the brainstem stretching and tearing perforating branches of the basilar artery to the pons; venous infarction may play a role.^{[citation needed]}

Diagnosis

Duret haemorrhages can be demonstrated by

Duret haemorrhages usually indicate a fatal outcome.[9] However, survival has been reported.^[10][11]

Society and culture

George Gershwin died after emergency surgery of a large brain tumour, believed to have been a glioblastoma. The fact that he had suddenly collapsed and become comatose when he stood up on his last day of life, has been interpreted as brain herniation and Duret haemorrhages.^[12]

References