Abstract Number: Esoc2026ys278 Point-of-care Ultrasound for the Diagnostic Evaluation of Acute Visual Loss in the Emergency Department: a Protocol Proposal
Year: 2026
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background and aims Acute visual loss is a time-critical emergency in which delayed etiologic diagnosis may increase the risk of permanent disability and postpone time-dependent therapies. In the emergency department, comprehensive diagnostic work-up may be limited by access to ophthalmologic assessment, vascular imaging, and advanced neuroimaging. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of a standardized multimodal ultrasound (US) protocol as a bedside screening tool for AVL. Methods This is a prospective, observational diagnostic accuracy study. The proposed protocol integrates: 1) Ocular US for optic nerve diameter (OND) and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD); 2) Central Retinal Artery (CRA) Doppler; 3) Temporal artery Doppler (halo sign); 4) Carotid Doppler (velocity screening); and 5) Transcranial Doppler (TCD) of the posterior cerebral artery including neurovascular coupling tests. The study consists of two phases: first, neurology and emergency medicine residents undergo standardized training (target: ten supervised exams). Second, trainees perform the protocol on patients presenting with AVL. Findings will be compared against the "gold standard" clinical and neuroimaging diagnosis. Reliability and inter-observer agreement will be assessed. Results The study is currently in the initial phase; the protocol was finalized. Preliminary assessments suggest the protocol is reproducible and can be completed within 10–15 minutes. Training and ethics submission in progress. We expect the protocol provides a valuable triage tool for the ED. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose.
Source: European Stroke Journal
Authors: Maria Clara Motta Barbosa Valente, Luiza Lima, Maria Weryca Souza, Natana Rangel Da Silva Ribeiro, Robercon Alves, Carolina Welker, Alessandra Morais, Marina Marques, Joao Andrade, Fabiano Moulin de Moraes, Maramélia Miranda Alves, Gisele Sampaio Silva, Eva Rocha
Institution: Universidade Federal de São Paulo
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,400
OpenAlex ID: W7160450561
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