The diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT imaging in cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in detecting cervical lymph node metastasis among papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify pertinent publications up to May 2024. This search focused on studies examining the diagnostic accuracy of DECT in detecting cervical lymph node metastases in PTC patients. We employed a bivariate random-effects model to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity of DECT. The degree of heterogeneity in the studies was quantified using the statistic. Furthermore, the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was utilized to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis encompassed 14 articles, collectively involving 1,615 patients. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for DECT in detecting cervical lymph node metastases in PTC patients were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.85), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91), and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92), respectively. According to Fagan's nomogram, for DECT, with a pre-test probability of 50%, the post-test probability was calculated as 85% for a positive result and 18% for a negative result. Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test showed no significant publication bias was observed for DECT ( = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis indicates that DECT demonstrates superior sensitivity and specificity in cervical lymph node metastasis among PTC patients. To corroborate these findings and evaluate their clinical applicability, further prospective studies are necessary.