J Neurosonol Neuroimag.  2023 Dec;15(2):94-96. 10.31728/jnn.2023.00141.

The Music Within: A Doppler Harmonic Pattern Report in Non-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Related Cerebral Vasospasm

• Morais ABCGd
• Mendes GNN
• Verde ASSL
• Lucena AFd
• Mont’Alverne FJA
• Lima FO
• Carvalho FMM

• KMID: 2550074
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.31728/jnn.2023.00141

Abstract

A 40-year-old male presented an episode of severe thunderclap headache with right hemiparesis. Imaging revealed severe stenosis in the left middle cerebral artery, associated with increased mean velocities detected by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD). Notably, a distinctive "tin whistle" sound, known as a doppler harmonic effect, near the highest velocity point was observed during the examination. Extensive workup was performed, including CSF analysis and laboratory investigations, and the diagnosis of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) was established. Treatment involving medication and daily monitoring led to a decline in the left MCA's velocity, enabling the patient's discharge with no recurrent headaches or neurological deficits. Notably, a follow-up MRI exhibited the disappearance of the left MCA stenosis. This report discusses the rare occurrence of "musical murmurs" in cerebrovascular diseases, underscoring the potential for early diagnosis using techniques like TCD in emergency settings, particularly in conditions like RCVs.

Keyword

musical murmur; tin whistle sound; RCVS; doppler effect