Brain ultrasonography: methodology, basic and advanced principles and clinical applications. A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Critical Care Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Brain ultrasonography evaluates cerebral anatomy, pathology, and circulation via blood flow velocity.
• Transcranial colour-coded duplex sonography (TCDS) is a safe, repeatable, non-invasive bedside technique.
• TCDS has significant potential in neurocritical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of brain ultrasonography principles.
• To review TCDS techniques and clinical applications.
• To highlight TCDS in monitoring and treating critically ill patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of basic and advanced principles of brain ultrasonography.
• Analysis of transcranial colour-coded duplex sonography techniques.
• Compilation of clinical applications in neurocritical care.

Main Results:

• TCDS is applicable in various scenarios: traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and cerebral circulatory arrest.
• Clinical applications extend to general intensive care and emergency departments.
• Growing interest in non-invasive cerebral and systemic assessment.

Conclusions:

• Brain ultrasonography, particularly TCDS, is a versatile tool for neurocritical care.
• Its non-invasive nature and broad applicability support its increasing use.
• TCDS aids in the monitoring and treatment of critically ill patients.