Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

Intracranial stenoses and occlusions, and circle of willis collaterals

Ralf W Baumgartner1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

Frontiers of Neurology and Neuroscience
|February 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCS) effectively detect intracranial artery blockages and collateral flow. However, further research is needed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of TCCS versus TCD for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosonology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Intracranial arterial stenoses and occlusions pose significant risks for cerebrovascular events.
  • Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCS) are established non-invasive methods for evaluating cerebral vasculature.
  • Current diagnostic criteria for intracranial arterial obstructions lack international consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established roles of TCD and TCCS in detecting intracranial arterial obstructions.
  • To highlight the need for standardized diagnostic criteria for intracranial arterial diseases.
  • To identify the knowledge gap regarding the comparative accuracy of TCD and TCCS in assessing intracranial obstructions and collateral circulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCS) for intracranial artery assessment.
  • Analysis of diagnostic capabilities for stenoses and occlusions in major cerebral arteries.
  • Evaluation of collateral flow detection through communicating arteries.

Main Results:

  • TCD and TCCS reliably detect stenoses and occlusions in the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, as well as basilar and intracranial vertebral arteries.
  • Transorbital Doppler sonography is effective for diagnosing carotid siphon stenosis.
  • Both TCD and TCCS demonstrate reliability in identifying collateral flow via anterior and posterior communicating arteries.

Conclusions:

  • Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCS) are valuable tools for detecting intracranial arterial obstructions and collateral pathways.
  • The lack of internationally accepted diagnostic criteria hinders consistent interpretation of findings.
  • Direct comparative studies are required to determine if TCCS offers superior accuracy over TCD for intracranial obstructions and collateral assessment.

More Related Videos

Protocol for Isolating the Mouse Circle of Willis06:30

Protocol for Isolating the Mouse Circle of Willis

Published on: October 22, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Anastomoses01:19

Anastomoses

In human anatomy, anastomosis refers to a connection or opening between two things, particularly between blood vessels or other tubular structures. The term is derived from the Greek term 'anastomosis,' which means 'outlet' or 'opening.' This natural network of connections plays a critical role in the survival and functionality of the human body.
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.