Role of TCD in sickle cell disease: A review

Abstract

Stroke is an important complication of sickle cell disease. Approximately twenty-four percent of patients have a stroke by the age of 45. Blood transfusions decrease stroke risk in patients deemed at high risk by transcranial Doppler (TCD) by evidence of elevated intracranial internal carotid or middle cerebral artery velocity. This review describes the practical procedure of patient evaluation and illustrates, through Brazilian guidelines, the importance of uniform methodology in a setting with high prevalence of this disease.