MCG Neurosonology Lab

Two Neurosonology Labs operate at MCG. The Neurosonology Lab at MCG was established in 1984, and the VA Neurosonology Lab, (adjacent to MCG Medical Center) was established in 1985. Both are under the supervision of Dr. F.T. Nichols. Over 4000 carotid duplex and Transcranial Doppler examinations are performed each year here at MCG.

The MCG Lab has been certified by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Labs since 1992. Carotid duplex and Transcranial Doppler examinations are performed by senior sonographers.

In addition, the lab has participated in a number of ultrasound research studies. One of these trials was MIDAS (the first trial to use ultrasound measured change of the intimal medial thickness of the carotid arteries as an outcome assessment in a blood pressure lowering trial)(JAMA 1996; 276:785). Two other trials were STOP and STOP II, which demonstrated that transcranial Doppler could be used to identify children with sickle cell who were at high risk of future stroke, and showed that transfusion dramatically decreased this risk of stroke. (NEJM 1998; 330:5-11; NEJM 2005; 353:2769-77).

Vascular Neurology fellows spend 2-3 months in the lab learning about ultrasound physics, blood flow physiology, vascular anatomy, carotid artery disease, intracranial arterial disease, criteria for stenosis, correlation of ultrasound exams with other imaging modalities, and the role of ultrasound in the investigation of stroke patients. They participate in the performance and interpretation of carotid duplex exam, TCDs, transcranial color Doppler, embolus/HITS monitoring. At the end of this time, the fellows will meet eligibility for American Society of Neurosonology Certification examination in Neurosonology.