It is a great honour and pleasure for me to announce the 13th meeting of the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics and the 5th National Congress SINSEC (Società Italiana di Neurosonologia e Emodinamica Cerebrale), that will take place in Genova, Italy, on May 10-13, 2008. The mission of our Society is to share and spread consolidated expertise on cerebrovascular disease as studied by ultrasound, while the annual Congress is the right setting to present new developments in neurovascular ultrasound.

Recently, the application of ultrasound in neurosciences has significantly widened its horizon, not only in the diagnostic realm thanks to a better image resolution and more accurate flow measurements, but it entered the therapeutic realm with new and very exciting avenues: ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke, ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, ultrasound-mediated gene delivery. Indeed, over the last few years, we have seen an increasing interest in neurovascular ultrasound especially by young scientists who are dedicated to these aspects of ultrasonography, bringing new ideas and a very modern approach to diagnosis, monitoring, therapy and rehabilitation.

The topics of the 13th Congress will cover most of the classical and new applications of ultrasound, from acute stroke to parenchyma and perfusion imaging, from monitoring in surgery and stenting to many different clinical condition such as migraine, diabetes, atherosclerosis, syncope, hypertension.  

Following the success of the theoretical and practical Certification in Neurosonology obtained last year in Budapest, during the tutorials delegates will be offered the possibility to gain the International Certificate in Neurosonology.  

Genova will be a gorgeous place where to meet: it is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy, caressed by the Ligurian sea and protected by the mountains. Genova is rich in historical places, with a famous harbour, pictoresque palaces and churches; it also hosts the largest Acquarium in Europe.  The Congress will take place in the old harbour area, very close to the center of the city and to the Acquarium, a great spot for sightseeing. I hope it will be a very nice scenario for both scientific and social events.  

On behalf of the ESNCH executive committee, the local organizing committee and the Department
of Neuroscience of the University of Genova, I look forward to welcoming you in Genova