[Applications of transcranial color-coded duplex sonography in monitoring neurocritical patients]

Abstract

Transcranial sonography is a common tool for monitoring neurocritical patients. Transcranial color-coded duplex ultrasonography enables hemodynamic and structural study of the cerebral parenchyma in these patients. Its advantages over conventional ultrasonography are evident and are derived from direct visualization of the vessel to be studied and appropriate adjustment of the sample volume and angle of insonation. The use of ultrasonographic contrast agents enables conclusive findings in practically 100% of cases and allows cerebral perfusion to be studied at the bedside using semiquantitative methods. This review aims to show the applications of transcranial color-coded duplex ultrasonography for monitoring neurocritical patients in intensive care units.