Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): Usefulness of Transcranial Doppler (TCD/TCCS) Monitoring

Abstract

Acute stroke in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major complication and generates irreversible sequelae. 2. The pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to stroke are defined in SCD, some of which are potentially reversible and have key implications for prevention. 3. The different neurodiagnostic strategies in SCD seek to estimate the risk of acute stroke and have been key to its prevention. 4. Transcranial Doppler (TCD/TCCS) is the most widely used tool in the assessment of acute stroke risk in children with SCD, with clear indications as well as advantages over other diagnostic alternatives. 5. The existing recommendations for the performance and interpretation of TCD in SCD are defined. However, some technical aspects such as its use in older individuals are subject to investigation.