Meta-Analysis of Lung Ultrasound to Diagnose Pneumonia

Lung ultrasound has been proposed as a diagnostic adjunct for pneumonia, given the limited sensitivity and need for radiation associated with chest x-rays. These authors conducted a systematic review to determine the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumonia in adults.

Sixteen studies with 2359 patients were included in the review. The studies used chest computed tomography results or the ultimate clinical diagnosis as gold standards. Lung ultrasound was performed by emergency physicians, intensivists, radiologists, or researchers, depending on the study. Each study used a relatively small group of sonographers, and no study required the treating physician to perform and interpret the ultrasound.

Studies showed high h…