Optic Nerve Sheath Point of Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition

Summary

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been shown to be useful in identifying patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the non-standardized technique for this POCUS has hampered its use. We present a standardized image acquisition protocol for use in the acute care setting.

Abstract

The goal of this protocol is to develop a standardized method for acquiring images of the optic nerve sheath and measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). Diagnostic ultrasound of the ONSD to detect intracranial hypertension has traditionally faced many problems because of methodologic discrepancies. Due to inconsistencies in the measuring techniques, the potential for ONSD to become a non-invasive bedside monitoring tool for ICP has been hampered. However, establishing a transparent, consistent methodology for measuring the ONSD would support its use as a valid and reliable method of identifying intracranial hypertension. This is important as it has both high sensitivity and specificity in acute care settings. This narrative review describes ONSD POCUS image acquisition, including patient positioning, transducer selection, probe placement, the acquisition sequence, and image optimization. Further, visual aids are provided to assist in real-time during image acquisition. This method should be considered for patients for whom there are concerns regarding intracranial hypertension but who do not have an intracranial monitor in place.

Introduction

The goal of this protocol is to allow bedside providers to rapidly evaluate patients for intracranial hypertension in a non-invasive fashion using point-of-care ultrasound. In recent years, bedside decision-making and treatment have been augmented by the emergence of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). POCUS involves the use of ultrasound for diagnostic or procedural guidance by a patient's primary treatment provider. This article focuses on the diagnostic POCUS of the optic nerve sheath.

The rationale behind this technique is that the optic nerve and sheath communicate with the central nervous system. Specifically, the subarachnoid space....

Protocol

This procedure is in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional committee on human experimentation and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975. Ultrasound is considered minimal risk procedure, so written consent from the patient is not required.

1. Probe selection

NOTE: ONSD POCUS can be performed with a multitude of different transducers. To evaluate abnormalities in suspected cases of increased ICP, choose a linear high-frequency (5-14 MHz) probe to evaluate ONSD. The probe nomenclature varies by manufacturer; however, the linear probe will be flat and usually have an L in the probe....

Results

There are several findings that can be seen on the POCUS of the optic nerve sheath and several pitfalls that can occur in the measurements. As can be seen in Figure 5, the nerve typically heads back from the eye at an angle when the eye is in a neutral position. In patients undergoing elective ultrasound of the eye for optic neuritis, for example, the patient is typically asked to move the eye and straighten the nerve to facilitate the measurement of the diameter along the axis of the nerve........

Discussion

The most critical steps of this protocol are ensuring the correct settings are used, such as ophthalmic or small parts, to minimize the energy transmitted to the eye. Additionally, ensuring that the optic nerve and not a blooming artifact is being measured is important.

Within diagnostic POCUS, the evaluation of the ONSD is well-suited to investigating patients with traumatic brain injury to evaluate if there is increased ICP. Although invasive intracranial monitoring remains the gold standard.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Butterfly iQ+ with USB-C 2.0	Butterfly	n/a	Used to obtain one of the images
Clarius L7HD Portable Ultrasound Machine	Clarius	n/a	Used to obtain one of the images
Ultrasound Gel	Parker	n/a	Used to obtain all images
Transparent dressing	3M	9534HP	Used to protect eye