Diagnostic accuracy of B scan ultrasound for posterior segment ocular disorders: a meta-analysis

B-scan ultrasound is widely utilized for diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders due to its non-invasive nature and ability to provide real-time imaging. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of B-scan ultrasound in detecting various posterior segment ocular disorders.

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS, from their inception until May 2024. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A bivariate meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic performance measures. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2, which included generating summary receiver operating characteristic curves and diagnostic odds ratios.

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 1,617 reference-tested units. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of B-scan ultrasound for diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders were remarkably high at 96% (95% CI 91–98%) and 94% (95% CI 87–98%), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 363 (95% CI 94–1406), indicating substantial diagnostic accuracy. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.99, confirming the excellent capability of B-scan ultrasound. Notable heterogeneity was observed (I² = 86%), and no significant publication bias was detected.

B-scan ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders, confirming its utility as a reliable diagnostic tool in clinical practice.