Pediatric Cranial Doppler Sonography in Children: Non-Sickle Cell Applications

This article presents an overview of transcranial Doppler, well known for its use as a screening tool in children with sickle cell disease. However, there are many other pediatric applications in which cranial Doppler ultrasound can supply otherwise unavailable information regarding neurovascular flow dynamics. Images illustrate examples of normal anatomy and pathologic conditions that can be evaluated with cranial Doppler ultrasound. Characteristic imaging features of various pediatric applications of cranial Doppler ultrasound are discussed and illustrated. This image presentation discusses cranial Doppler ultrasound technique and normal findings and illustrates various pediatric disorders including benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space versus subdural hematomas, vasospasm, vasculitis, venous sinus thrombosis, vein of Galen varix, hydrocephalus, hypoxic ischemic injury, traumatic brain injury, and brain death.