The value of ultrasound in diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum in emergent or critical conditions: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Hollow organs perforation is a life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and emergent intervention are important. Bedside ultrasound may be an alternative diagnostic tool for this condition. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound of pneumoperitoneum in emergent or critical conditions through meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for potential studies. Then, two reviewers performed the processes of study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Finally, diagnostic indexes were analyzed with STATA 12.0 software (Serial No. 40120519635). Results: A total of five studies with moderate to high quality were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio and their 95% confidence interval were 0.91 (95% confidence interval = 0.86–0.94), 0.96 (95% confidence interval = 0.75–0.99), 22.05 (95% confidence interval = 3.10–156.96), and 0.10 (95% confidence interval = 0.07–0.15), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (95% confidence interval = 0.90–0.94). Conclusion: Abdominal ultrasound is a useful alternative tool in diagnosing of pneumoperitoneum. However, due to limited evidence, it is not yet indicated for routine clinical use.