How is the formation of microthrombi after traumatic brain injury linked to inflammation?

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by mechanical disruption of brain tissue due to an external force and by subsequent secondary injury. Secondary brain injury events include inflammatory responses and the activation of coagulation resulting in microthrombi formation in the brain vasculature. Recent research suggests that these mechanisms do not work independently. There is strong evidence that FXII and platelet activation connects both, inflammation and the formation of microthrombi. This review summarizes the current knowledge on posttraumatic microthrombus formation and its link to inflammation.

Keywords: factor XII; inflammation; platelets; thromboinflammation; thrombose; traumatic brain injury.