Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography reliably identifies intracranial vasculopathy in adult patients with sickle cell disease

Abstract In order to prevent stroke, screening for disease‐related intracranial vasculopathy using Doppler ultrasound is recommended in sickle‐cell disease (SCD) children. How screen such adults remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was assess whether transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography (TCCD) sensitive and specific enough identify SCD adult patients with vasculopathy, compared magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Sickle cell followed referral centers at high risk were included study. Transcranial examination 3‐D time‐of‐flight MRA performed on the same day. On MRA, defined by presence least one ≥50% arterial stenosis. TCCD, a time‐averaged mean maximum velocity (TAMx) stenotic/prestenotic ratio ≥ 3, an occlusion, or Moyamoya pattern. Vasculopathy also considered as present when TAMx could not be calculated because severe cervical lesions. Among 80 patients, quality insufficient three patients. 38 37 had according TCCD criteria: 3 occlusion 33 lesion four A pattern identified all 17 MRA. Sensitivity specificity (n = 37/38) 97% 28/34) 82%, respectively. Positive negative predictive values 37/43) 86% 28/29) 97%, Note, may used vasculopathy.