[Pathology of cerebral edema. I. Concept, etiopathogenesis and classification].

Taking into account its complex pathogenesis, we stress the inadequacy of considering brain edema as a single clinical or pathological entity. Vasogenic, cytotoxic and hydrocephalic varieties are considered. Some clinical conditions underlied by the common morphologic feature of "status spongiosus" are discussed. The methods of investigation of brain edema are presented as well as problems concerning its diffusion and resolution.