Lung Ultrasound Findings and Algorithms to Detect Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Testing Meta-Analysis
Authors' conclusion
Lung ultrasound demonstrates good diagnostic performance for detecting community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia. However, its utility in diagnosing VAP is limited
Study context
- Population
- Adults with community-acquired, hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- Participants
- 3,454 adults · 26 studies
- Comparison
- Individual lung ultrasound findings and algorithms vs chest radiography and CT
- Outcome
- Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios) of lung ultrasound findings and algorithms for pneumonia
Methodological detailsbivariate linear mixed models, Bayesian analyses
- Bivariate linear mixed models
- Bayesian analyses
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Diagnostic accuracy for pneumonia
| Group | Sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) protocol | 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84-0.92) | — not stated in the abstract |
| Dynamic air bronchograms | — not stated in the abstract | 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-0.99) |
| Focal B-lines | 0.24 (95% CI, 0.12-0.43) | 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86-0.99) |
Sensitivity
Bed Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) protocol0.88 (95% CI, 0.84-0.92)
Dynamic air bronchograms— not stated in the abstract
Focal B-lines0.24 (95% CI, 0.12-0.43)
Specificity
Bed Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) protocol— not stated in the abstract
Dynamic air bronchograms0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-0.99)
Focal B-lines0.96 (95% CI, 0.86-0.99)
— not stated in the abstract
Further pooled results
Specificity in VAP (sensitivity analysis)
- Reduced specificity of lung ultrasound in VAP across all evaluated criteria
Bayesian analyses
- Consistent results across different prior assumptions
Original publication
Lung Ultrasound Findings and Algorithms to Detect Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Testing Meta-Analysis. Crit Care Med. Published 14 August 2025. doi:10.
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