Abstract
Purpose :
B-scan ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging modality frequently used in ophthalmology, the application of which is limited in part by portability. This study seeks to investigate the performance of a new and more portable handheld ultrasound device, the Butterfly IQ+, compared to a conventional B-scan ophthalmic ultrasound device for detecting retinal detachments (RD).
Methods :
A cross-sectional observational study of eyes of patients at Harborview Ophthalmology clinics compared use of a conventional B-scan ophthalmic ultrasound device, Ellex Eye Cubed by Clarion Medical Technologies (Cambridge, ON, CA), with a portable point of care ultrasound device (Butterfly IQ+) in detection of RDs. The participants received a standardized ultrasound exam of one or both eyes by an ophthalmologist with both of the ultrasound devices during a single clinic visit. Images and videos from the two devices were deidentified and assessed by a trained, blinded reader for the presence or absence of RD.
Results :
40 total eyes of 33 patients were included in the study. 20 eyes of 18 patients had RDs, and 20 eyes of 18 patients did not. The observed agreement in RD diagnosis between the Butterfly and the Ellex Eye Cubed was 97.5%, and the Cohen’s Kappa was 0.950. The observed agreement in RD diagnosis between the Butterfly IQ and diagnosis confirmed by the gold standard of clinical exam was 92.5%, and Cohen’s Kappa was 0.850. The sensitivity and specificity of the Butterfly ultrasound in RD diagnosis was 90% and 95% respectively.
Conclusions :
There was high level of observed agreement and Cohen’s Kappa in identification of RD for the Butterfly IQ and Ellex Eye Cubed. Also, the sensitivity of both devices was identical, and the Butterfly IQ produced an even greater level of specificity. Limitations of the Butterfly IQ probe include operator / reader dependent performance, large probe head footprint, and limited image quality. The Butterfly IQ’s extreme portability and ease of use make it a viable option to screen for RDs in hospital-based consults, emergency departments, or low resource settings.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.