What procedure is typically performed for a woman with sickle cell disease for preventative stroke diagnostic testing?

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is typically performed for women with sickle cell disease as a preventative stroke diagnostic testing measure. This non-invasive test is particularly effective at measuring the velocity of blood flow in the major cerebral arteries. In sickle cell disease, patients are at an increased risk for stroke due to the potential for vascular occlusion caused by sickled red blood cells, which can lead to changes in blood flow and increased stroke risk.

The TCD can help identify patients who have elevated blood flow velocities, indicating a high risk of developing a stroke. Early detection through this procedure allows for timely intervention, such as the initiation of hydroxyurea therapy or blood transfusions, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of stroke in these patients.

Other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography angiography (CTA), are valuable in certain contexts but are not routinely used for the direct screening of stroke risk in patients with sickle cell disease. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is more suited for assessing electrical activity in the brain rather than for evaluating stroke risk. The TCD is specifically tailored to address the unique vascular complications associated with sickle cell disease, making it the preferred choice for preventative measures