[The status of transcranial color-coded real time ultrasound in diagnosis of cerebral lesions].

Transcranial color-coded real-time sonography (TCCS) combines transcranial Doppler sonography and color-coded B-mode scanning of the brain parenchyma and cerebral vessels. This technique is not invasive and a broad spectrum of intracerebral lesions such as vascular lesions (ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, arteriosclerotic vascular degeneration) and parenchymal lesions (brain tumors, degenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders) can be disclosed. Compared with MRI and CT, the ultrasound system is movable. Thus, it can be used easily in emergency rooms and intensive care units. In addition, TCCS can disclose new insights into the pathophysiology of disorders of the CNS, as in neuropsychiatric diseases. Ultrasound contrast agents improve the depiction of intracranial vessels. The pathology of the venous system can be identified.