Table 3.

Included studies: ultrasound technique, signs of consolidation and units of analysis

Study	Ultrasound timing	Sonographer	Probe/scanner	Scan position	Scan protocol	Ultrasound signs of consolidation	Unit of analysis	Consolidation prevalence
Lichtenstein et al 200418	Within 24 h of ICU admission (approximated to ARF diagnosis)	1 intensivist (of 2), experience not quantified	Micro-convex 5 MHz, Portable (Hitachi 405)	Supine	12 lung regions	Tissue-like pattern, no change in dimensions with respiration. Air bronchograms not mandatory	Lung region (12/patient)	31% of lung regions
Lichtenstein et al 200419	Unstated	2 intensivists (κ coefficient 0.89) experience not quantified	Micro-convex 5 MHz, Portable (Hitachi 405)	Supine	12 lung regions	Tissue-like pattern, arising from the pleural line, irregular deep border (regular if lobar), no change in dimensions with respiration. Air bronchograms not used	Lung (2/patient)	56% of lungs
Xirouchaki et al 201120	Unstated	1 intensivist, 4 years’ experience	Micro-convex 5–9 MHz, Portable (Hitachi 8500)	Supine and lateral	12 Lung regions	Tissue-like pattern±power Doppler. Irregular deep border not used	Lung (2/patient) and Lung region (12/ patient)	24% of lungs, but 79% of lung regions
Refaat, Abdurrahman 201321	Unstated	1 radiologist, >7 years’ experience	Linear 7.5–10 MHz and convex 3.5 MHz, Portable Shenzhen mindray DP-1100 Plus)	Supine and lateral Erect when possible	12 lung regions	Hypoechoic pattern, non-homogenous echo-texture, irregular shape, serrated margin, air and fluid bronchograms	Patient	18% of patients