Transcranial Doppler in children

Pediatr Radiol. 2011 May:41 Suppl 1:S153-65. doi: 10.1007/s00247-011-2038-y. Epub 2011 Apr 27.

Abstract

Transcranial Doppler US, a non-invasive tool for evaluating the cerebral arteries, has evolved significantly during the last two decades. This review describes the practical procedure, and summarises and illustrates its established and "work-in-progress" indications in children. Indications for a transcranial Doppler US examination include, but are not limited to: (1) evaluation of cerebral blood flow velocities in the circle of Willis in patients with sickle cell anaemia to guide transfusion therapy; (2) diagnosis and follow-up of vasculopathy, such as moyamoya disease; (3) diagnosis and monitoring of acute cerebrovascular disorders in intensive care patients, in particular following traumatic brain injury, and during cardiovascular surgery; and (4) confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of brain death by documentation of cerebral circulatory arrest.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Death / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Critical Care
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial / methods*