Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Quality Criteria Checklist: An International Consensus Statement on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Imaging and Measurement

Abstract

Objectives: To standardize optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) and improve its research and clinical utility by developing the ONSD POCUS Quality Criteria Checklist (ONSD POCUS QCC). Design: Three rounds of modified Delphi consensus process and three rounds of asynchronous discussions. Setting: Online surveys and anonymous asynchronous discussion. Subjects: Expert panelists were identified according to their expertise in ONSD research, publication records, education, and clinical use. A total of 52 panelists participated in the Delphi process. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Three Delphi rounds and three asynchronous discussion rounds generated consensus on quality criteria (QC). This started with 29 QC in addition to other QC proposed by expert panelists. The QC items were categorized into probe selection, safety, body position, imaging, measurement, and research considerations. At the conclusion of the study, 28 QC reached consensus to include in the final ONSD POCUS QCC. These QC were then reorganized, edited, and consolidated into 23 QC that were reviewed and approved by the panelists. Conclusions: ONSD POCUS QCC standardizes ONSD ultrasound imaging and measurement based on international consensus. This can establish ONSD ultrasound in clinical research and improve its utility in clinical practice.