Effect of acetazolamide on cerebral blood flow in subacute and chronic cerebrovascular disease.

Acetazolamide increases cerebral blood flow. The generalized and regional changes in blood flow after administration of acetazolamide were evaluated by the xenon-133 inhalation technique in a series of patients with subacute or chronic focal cerebral ischemia. Acetazolamide augmented interhemispheric asymmetry of cerebral blood flow in patients with unilateral occlusion of major cerebral arteries, whereas no significant side-to-side asymmetry was evident in patients with minor arterial lesions. Low flow areas in relation to computed tomography-verified infarcts tended to be larger after administration of acetazolamide. Hyperfrontality was present at rest and during stimulation with acetazolamide. A decline of cerebral blood flow with advancing age was greater in patients than in normal controls. The vasodilator response to acetazolamide did not change with age.