{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Diagnostic value of transcranial doppler to predict delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage : To predict delayed cerebral ischemia.
{Author}: van der Harst JJ;Elting JWJ;Hijlkema J;Veeger NJGM;van Donkelaar CE;van Dijk JMC;Uyttenboogaart M;
{Journal}: Acta Neurochir (Wien)
{Volume}: 166
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jun 29
{Factor}: 2.816
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00701-024-06164-1
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a technique to assess blood flow velocity in the cerebral arteries. TCD is frequently used to monitor aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. This study compares TCD-criteria for vasospasm and its association with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia (DCI). An overall score based on flow velocities of various intracranial arteries was developed and evaluated.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted between 1998 and 2017 with 621 patients included. Mean flow velocity (MFV) of the cerebral artery was measured between 2-5 days and between 6-9 days after ictus. Cutoff values from the literature, new cutoff values, and a new composite score (Combined Severity Score) were used to predict DCI. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined, and logistic regression analysis was performed.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The Combined Severity Score showed an AUC 0.64 (95%CI 0.56-.71) at days 2-5, with sensitivity 0.53 and specificity 0.74. The Combined Severity Score had an adjusted Odds Ratio of 3.41 (95CI 1.86-6.32) for DCI. MCA-measurements yielded the highest AUC to detect DCI at day 2-5: AUC 0.65 (95%CI 0.58-0.73). Optimal cutoff MFV of 83 cm/s for MCA resulted in sensitivity 0.73 and specificity 0.50 at days 2-5.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>TCD-monitoring of aSAH patients may be a valuable strategy for DCI risk stratification. Lower cutoff values can be used in the early phase after the ictus (day 2-5) than are commonly used now. The Combined Severity Score incorporating all major cerebral arteries may provide a meaningful contribution to interpreting TCD measurements.