Micro-bubble transcranial Doppler ultrasound is a study used for the identification and quantification of a right-to-left circulatory shunt which can be implicated in stroke. It is an underused technique in many centres. Micro-bubble transcranial Doppler ultrasound is non-invasive, innocuous, quick and requires no fasting or sedation. Published literature also suggests almost perfect concordance with transoesophageal echocardiography and potentially greater sensitivity. We believe there is a great potential for neuroradiologists to provide this service as part of the diagnostic workup in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
Keywords: foramen ovale; heart septal defect; neuroradiology; stroke; ultrasonography.
© 2014 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.