Review: indications for ultrasound use in low- and middle-income countries

To determine the indications for using ultrasound, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to assess whether its use alters clinical management.

Literature review. We conducted a Pubmed search on the clinical use of ultrasound in LMIC for articles published between January 2000 and December 2010, recording country of origin, speciality and whether ultrasound use led to a change in management.

Fifty-eight articles were identified from 32 countries and represented nine specialties. Ultrasound was most commonly used for assisting with the diagnosis of obstetrical conditions, followed by intra-abdominal conditions such as liver abscesses and intussusceptions. Clinical management was altered in >30% of cases.

Ultrasound is a highly valuable diagnostic tool in LMICs and its use should be considered essential for all district medical facilities. The use could be applied more widely, eg., for tropical and non-communicable diseases. Additional research is needed to further characterize the impact of task shifting on ultrasound use in LMICs.