Results:
Study selection: 12 studies were included for the quantitative analysis, out of 593 titles screened. Figure 1 depicts the process of studies included.
Study characteristics: Characteristics of each study are enlisted (Table 1). Studies reviewed encompassed global locations, including Italy, India, Pakistan, Canada, and France.
Risk of bias : The quality of studies included was assessed using QUADAS – 2 criteria and is depicted (Table 2).
Sensitivity analysis: The overall sensitivity of ultrasound scan in pneumothorax diagnosis was 89% (95 % CI – 86 – 91%), and specificity was 96% (CI – 95% – 97%). The diagnostic odds ratio was 193.94 (59.009 – 637.40) at 95% CI, thus demonstrating greater chest ultrasound accuracy in diagnosing pneumothorax. SROC plot demonstrated an estimate of sensitivity versus specificity and area under the SROC curve (Figure 2, 3, and 4).