Standards in neurosonology. Part II

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Ultrasound

Background:

• Standardization is crucial for consistent and reliable ultrasound assessment of cerebral vasculature.
• Current practices in extracranial and intracranial ultrasound imaging lack uniform standards for performance and description.
• Specific brain structures, like substantia nigra hyperechogenicity, require defined imaging protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize the performance and description of ultrasound imaging for extracranial and intracranial cerebral arteries.
• To establish criteria for the assessment of specific brain structures, including substantia nigra hyperechogenicity.
• To provide practical diagnostic criteria for various cerebrovascular pathologies based on current literature.

Main Methods:

• Development of comprehensive standards encompassing equipment, patient preparation, study technique, and documentation.
• Inclusion of detailed elements for ultrasound report descriptions.
• Review and integration of the latest literature for diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• Defined standards for Duplex and Doppler ultrasound methods (Part I).
• Established protocols for specific clinical scenarios: vasospasm, post-stroke monitoring, right-to-left shunt detection, cerebral circulation arrest confirmation, assessment of the circle of Willis, cerebrovascular vasomotor reserve, and substantia nigra hyperechogenicity measurement (Parts II and III).

Conclusions:

• The proposed standards will enhance the reliability and reproducibility of cerebral ultrasound examinations.
• Implementation of these guidelines facilitates accurate diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular diseases.
• Standardized imaging improves the evaluation of both vascular structures and specific brain parenchyma.