Published online Sep 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i9.636
Revised: March 18, 2014
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: September 28, 2014
Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an ultrasound-based imaging technique, which allows the identification of several structures within the brain parenchyma. In the past it has been applied for bedside assessment of different intracranial pathologies in children. Presently, TCS is also used on adult patients to diagnose intracranial space occupying lesions of various origins, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, midline shift and neurodegenerative movement disorders, in both acute and chronic clinical settings. In comparison with conventional neuroimaging methods (such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance), TCS has the advantages of low costs, short investigation times, repeatability, and bedside availability. These noninvasive characteristics, together with the possibility of offering a continuous patient neuro-monitoring system, determine its applicability in the monitoring of multiple emergency and non-emergency settings. Currently, TCS is a still underestimated imaging modality that requires a wider diffusion and a qualified training process. In this review we focused on the main indications of TCS for the assessment of acute neurologic disorders in intensive care unit.
Core tip:Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an ultrasound-based imaging technique, which allows the identification of several structures within the brain parenchyma, not only in neonates, but also in adult patients. It can be used to diagnose intracranial space occupying lesions of various origins, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and midline shift. In comparison with computed tomography scan, TCS has the advantages of low costs, short investigation times, repeatability, and bedside availability. These noninvasive characteristics, together with the possibility of offering a continuous patient neuro-monitoring system, determine its applicability in multiple emergency settings.