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Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound for Monitoring Cerebral Blood Flow
Published on: March 15, 2021
Transcranial Doppler series part III: interpretation
Heather A Nicoletto1, Marilyn H Burkman
1Neurodiagnostic Laboratory, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
American Journal of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
|November 7, 2009
Summary
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a non-invasive method to assess cerebral blood flow. It is valuable for diagnosing conditions like vasospasm and vasculopathy, aiding in critical neurological assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD) offers a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective assessment of basal cerebral artery blood flow.
- Common applications include evaluating vasospasm post-subarachnoid hemorrhage and vasculopathy in pediatric sickle cell anemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of TCD in various cerebrovascular conditions.
- To outline the key parameters used in TCD interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes ultrasound waves to measure blood flow velocity and direction in intracranial arteries.
- Non-invasive assessment of cerebral hemodynamics.
Main Results:
- TCD effectively evaluates vasospasm, vasculopathy, intracranial stenosis, and collateral flow.
- It aids in diagnosing arteriovenous malformations, carotid fistulas, and confirming cerebral circulatory arrest.
Conclusions:
- TCD is a versatile tool for diagnosing a range of cerebrovascular diseases.
- Key parameters like systolic upstroke, velocity, pulsatility index, and flow direction are crucial for accurate TCD interpretation.
