[Some uncommon applications of transcranial Doppler in the intensive care unit]

We present the case of a 64-year old woman with shock related to ischemic colitis associated with paradoxical embolism through a foramen ovale. Some utilities of transcranial Doppler ultra-sonography applied in this case that could have an usual interest in intensive and intermediate care are discussed. These include analysis of the regional distribution of cerebral blood flow, intracranial arterial continuous monitoring for detection of spontaneous microembolisms and injection of microbubbles to detect right to left shunts. The added value of using power M-mode Doppler in transcranial Doppler evaluations is highlighted.