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World J Radiol. Sep 28, 2014; 6(9): 636-642
Published online Sep 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i9.636
Echography in brain imaging in intensive care unit: State of the art
Anselmo Caricato, Sara Pitoni, Luca Montini, Maria Grazia Bocci, Pina Annetta, Massimo Antonelli
Anselmo Caricato, Sara Pitoni, Luca Montini, Maria Grazia Bocci, Pina Annetta, Massimo Antonelli, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, “A. Gemelli” Teaching Hospital, Intensive Care Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy
Author contributions: Caricato A, Pitoni S and Antonelli M designed the paper; Montini L produced images; Bocci MG and Annetta P critically revised the paper; Caricato A wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Anselmo Caricato, Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Roma, Italy. anselmo.caricato@fastwebnet.it
Telephone: +39-339-3974355 Fax: +39-6-97252605
Received: January 10, 2014
Revised: March 18, 2014
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: September 28, 2014
Processing time: 257 Days and 15 Hours
Abstract

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.

Keywords: Brain sonography; Transcranial sonography; Ultrasounds; Cerebral sonography; Brain imaging; Hydrocephalus; Cerebral hemorrhage

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.