Which three acoustic windows are utilized in transcranial Doppler ultrasound?

The three acoustic windows utilized in transcranial Doppler ultrasound are transtemporal, transorbital, and transforaminal.

Transtemporal is the most commonly used window, located over the temporal bone. This area allows access to major cerebral arteries including the middle cerebral artery. The transorbital window provides an approach to assess the ophthalmic artery, which is vital in evaluating vascular conditions related to the eye and the cerebral circulation. The transforaminal window is employed at the foramen magnum, where it allows visualization of the vertebral arteries.

These windows are strategically selected based on their anatomical locations, providing optimal access to major intracranial vessels and enabling effective assessment of blood flow velocities and potential vascular abnormalities. Understanding these acoustic windows is crucial for performing transcranial Doppler ultrasound effectively and obtaining accurate diagnostic information.