Summary
This review focuses on the use of hand-carried and hand-held ultrasound devices in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
The study, which includes 36 manuscripts (27 original research articles and nine case reports), explores the clinical applications, geographical areas of use, impact on patient management, and technical features of these portable ultrasound devices.
The findings indicate that these devices are successfully used for diagnosing and managing various conditions, particularly obstetrical and abdominal complaints. While portable ultrasound may impact clinical management in a significant percentage of cases, the evidence quality is currently low, emphasizing the need for larger clinical trials to assess its impact in LMIC.
