Accuracy and Feasibility of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Testing in Eye Clinic and Emergency Department Patients with Vision Complaints

Abstract

BackgroundOcular emergencies comprise 2–3% of emergency department (ED) visits, with retinal detachment requiring emergency surgery. Two-dimensional ultrasound is a rapid bedside tool but is highly operator dependent. ObjectiveWe determined three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) feasibility, acceptability, and usability in eye pathology detection using the ophthalmologist examination as reference standard. MethodsWe performed a prospective, blinded cohort study of a 3DUS-enabling device in 30 eye clinic and ED patients with visual symptoms and calculated 3DUS performance characteristics. Two expert readers interpreted the 3DUS images for pathology. All participants completed surveys. Results3DUS sensitivity was 0.81, specificity 0.73, positive predictive value 0.54, negative predictive value 0.91, and likelihood ratio (LR)+/LR− 3.03 and 0.26, respectively. Novice and expert sonographers had “substantial” agreement in correct diagnosis of abnormal vs. normal (κ = 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.88). Most patients indicated that 3DUS is fast, comfortable, helps them understand their problem, and improves provider interaction/care, and all sonographers agreed; 4/5 sonographers felt confident performing ultrasound. Expert readers correctly identified an abnormal eye in 83/120 scans (76%) and correct diagnosis in 72/120 scans (65%), with no statistical difference between novice (79%; 69%) and expert (72%; 61%) sonographers (p = 0.39, p = 0.55), suggesting reduced operator dependence. Reader diagnosis confidence and image quality varied widely. Image acquisition times were fast for novice (mean 225 ± 83 s) and expert (201 ± 51) sonographers, with fast expert reader interpretation times (225 ± 136). ConclusionsA 3DUS-enabling device demonstrates a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.73 for disease detection, fast image acquisition, and may reduce operator dependence for detecting emergent retinal pathologies. Further technological development is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy in identifying and characterizing retinal pathology.