The Other Side of Abnormal

• DOI: 10.1097/mph.0b013e318279caae
• Publication Date: 2013-01-18T08:11:12Z
• Authors: Iris D. Buchanan; Anne James-Herry; Ifeyinwa Osunkwo
• Keywords: Transcranial Doppler; Stroke

The prevalence of cerebrovascular events in sickle cell disease (SCD) can be as low 10% by the age 18 for overt cerebral infarction or strokes, up to 35% silent infarction, and high 43/100 patient years acute ischemic events. These typically occur during childhood with a peak incidence between 4 7 years. cumulative risk central nervous system SCD increases age. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is an established screening tool detecting children at highest stroke measuring flow velocity large intracranial vessels. Velocities are considered abnormal readings >200 cm/s chronic red transfusions recommended reduce further progression. Red have reduced rate accidents 90%. We describe case 5 anemia, whose antecedent TCD velocities were measured ≤70 study. All patients developed some form insults, infarctions, transient attack, now receiving transfusion prevent On basis these cases, may identify another group disease. suggest <70 major vessels (MCA, ACA, ICA) type "abnormal," prompting more sensitive evaluations (such brain MRI MRA) presence disease, and, if negative, decrease intervals subsequent assessments.