Diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging/magnetic resonance imaging for peritoneal metastasis from malignant tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses examined either multiple tools for the diagnosis of peritoneal metastases (PMs), but not diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), or included only 1 tumor type. This study aimed to determine the summary diagnostic value of DWI/magnetic resonance imaging in determining PMs originating from various tumors.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for available papers up to 2019/12. Pooled estimates for sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included and could be used to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. The pooled sensitivity of DWI for PMs was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83%-93%). The pooled specificity was 86% (95% CI: 79%-91%). When considering only the retrospective studies, the pooled sensitivity of DWI for PMs was 85% (95% CI: 81%-89%). The pooled specificity was 84% (95% CI: 72%-92%). When considering only the studies about gastrointestinal tumors, the pooled sensitivity of DWI for PMs was 97% (95% CI: 68%-100%). The pooled specificity was 86% (95% CI: 69%-95%). No publication bias was observed (P = dd.27).

CONCLUSION

DWI magnetic resonance imaging is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of PMs from various abdominal cancers.