Diagnostic Value of Sonographic Features in Distinguishing Malignant Partially Cystic Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ultrasonography (US) is one of the most important methods for the management of thyroid nodules, which can be classified as solid, partially cystic, or cystic by composition. The various Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System classifications pay more attention to solid nodules and have reported pertinent US features associated with malignancy. However, the likelihood of malignancy of partially cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) is 3.3–17.6%, and few studies have systematically discussed the value of US in differentiating such entities. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to perform a systematic evaluation of US features in recognizing malignant PCTNs. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of US features in predicting malignant PCTNs. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to find studies that researched US features of PCTNs and that were published before June 2020. Review Manager 5.3 was used to summarize suspicious US features and calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to estimate receiver operating characteristic curves and calculate areas under the curves (AUCs). Our review included eight studies with a total of 2,004 PCTNs. Seven features were considered to be associated with malignancy. High specificity (>0.9) was found in nodules with a taller-than-wide shape, those that were spiculated/microlobulated or with an ill-defined margin, those with microcalcification, and a non-smooth rim. Among US features, eccentric configuration, microcalcification, and marked or mild hypoechogenicity were more reliable in predicting malignancy (AUC: 0.9592, 0.8504, and 0.8092, respectively). After meta-analysis, we recommend combining PCTN US features including an eccentric internal solid portion, marked or mild hypoechogenicity, and presence of microcalcification to better identify malignant nodules. More studies are needed to explore and improve the diagnostic value of US in PCTNs.

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Evaluation of alpha-l-fucosidase for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on meta-analysis

LaboratoriumsMedizin ◽

10.1515/labmed-2019-0152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lei Xi ◽

Chunqing Yang

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Operating Characteristic ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Review Manager

AbstractObjectivesThe main aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of alpha-l-fucosidase (AFU) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsStudies that explored the diagnostic value of AFU in HCC were searched in EMBASE, SCI, and PUBMED. The sensitivity, specificity, and DOR about the accuracy of serum AFU in the diagnosis of HCC were pooled. The methodological quality of each article was evaluated with QUADAS-2 (quality assessment for studies of diagnostic accuracy 2). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was conducted by using Review Manager 5 and Open Meta-analyst.ResultsEighteen studies were selected in this study. The pooled estimates for AFU vs. α-fetoprotein (AFP) in the diagnosis of HCC in 18 studies were as follows: sensitivity of 0.7352 (0.6827, 0.7818) vs. 0.7501 (0.6725, 0.8144), and specificity of 0.7681 (0.6946, 0.8283) vs. 0.8208 (0.7586, 0.8697), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 7.974(5.302, 11.993) vs. 13.401 (8.359, 21.483), area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7968 vs. 0.8451, respectively.ConclusionsAFU is comparable to AFP for the diagnosis of HCC.

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The diagnostic value of EBV-DNA and EBV-related antibodies detection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Cancer Cell International ◽

10.1186/s12935-021-01862-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Weixing Liu ◽

Gui Chen ◽

Xin Gong ◽

Yingqi Wang ◽

Yaoming Zheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Test Performance ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic ◽

Ebv Dna ◽

The Difference ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background Numerous individual studies have investigated the diagnostic value of EBV-DNA, EA-IgA, VCA-IgA, EBNA1-IgA and Rta-IgG detection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the conclusions remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the value of EBV-DNA, EA-IgA, VCA-IgA, EBNA1-IgA and Rta-IgG detection in the diagnosis of NPC. Methods PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019145532. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese data libraries (Wanfang, CNKI, and CBM) were searched up to January 2019. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood, negative likelihood, and diagnostic odds ratios were conducted in this meta-analysis. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves evaluated the test-performance global summary. Publication bias was examined by Deek’s funnel plot asymmetry test. Results Forty-seven studies with 8382 NPC patients (NPC group) and 15,089 individuals without NPC (Control group) were included in this meta-analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood (+ LR), negative likelihood (-LR), DOR and AUC of EBV-DNA in diagnosis of NPC were: 0.76 (95% CI 0.73–0.77), 0.96 (95% CI 0.95–0.97), 14.66 (95% CI 9.97–21.55), 0.19 (95% CI 0.13–0.28), 84 (95% CI 50.45–139.88), 0.96 (SE: 0.001), and 0.55 (95% CI 0.54–0.57), 0.96 (95% CI 0.96–0.97), 12.91 (95% CI 9.55–17.45), 0.35 (95% CI 0.29–0.43), 39.57 (95% CI 26.44–59.23), 0.94 (SE: 0.002) for the EA-IgA, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.85), 0.89 (95% CI 0.88–0.89), 6.73 (95% CI5.38–8.43), 0.17 (95% CI 0.12–0.23), 43.03 (95% CI 31.51–58.76), 0.93 (SE: 0.007) for the VCA-IgA, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.85–0.88), 0.87 (95% CI 0.88–0.90), 7.55 (95% CI 5.79–9.87), 0.16 (95% CI 0.13–0.19), 50.95 (95% CI 34.35–75.57), 0.94 (SE: 0.008) for the EBNA1-IgA, and 0.70 (95% CI 0.69–0.71), 0.94 (95% CI 0.94–0.95), 9.84 (95% CI 8.40–11.54), 0.25 (95% CI 0.21–0.31), 40.59 (95% CI 32.09–51.35), 0.95 (SE: 0.005) for the Rta-IgG. The EBV-DNA had larger AUC compared with other EBV-based antibodies (P < 0.05), while the difference between EA-IgA, VCA-IgA, EBNA1-IgA and Rta-IgG was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions EBV-DNA, VCA-IgA, EBNA1-IgA and Rta-IgG detection have high accuracy in early diagnosis NPC. In addition, EBV-DNA detection has the higher diagnosis accuracy in NPC. On the other hand, EA-IgA is suitable for the diagnosis but not NPC screening.

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Value of Xpert MTB/RIF Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.02170-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hong-Chao Liu ◽

Yu-Lu Gao ◽

Dan-Feng Li ◽

Xi-Yi Zhao ◽

Yuan-Qing Pan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

Bronchoalveolar Lavage ◽

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Culture Method ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Likelihood Ratios ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Background: The performance of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains unclear. Therefore, a systematic review/meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: Studies published before December 31, 2019, were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases using the keywords “pulmonary tuberculosis,” “Xpert MTB/RIF,” and “BAL.” Two independent evaluators extracted the data and assessed the bias risk of the included studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC), as well as the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nineteen trials involving 3019 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared to the culture method, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and the AUC with 95% CIs of Xpert MTB/RIF were 0.87 (0.84–0.90), 0.92 (0.91–0.93), 10.21 (5.78–18.02), 0.16 (0.12–0.22), 78.95 (38.59–161.53), and 0.9467 (0.9462-0.9472), respectively. Relative to the composite reference standard, the observed values were 0.69 (0.65–0.72), 0.98 (0.98–0.99), 37.50 (18.59–75.62), 0.30 (0.21–0.43), 171.98 (80.82–365.96), and 0.9691 (0.9683–0.9699), respectively. All subgroups, except children, showed high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: The use of Xpert MTB/RIF in the context of BAL samples has a high diagnostic performance for PTB (except for children) and may serve as an alternative rapid diagnostic tool.

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Comparison of conventional, doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of ovarian masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052830 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e052830

Author(s):

Lizhang Xun ◽

Lamei Zhai ◽

Hui Xu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Doppler Us ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Ovarian Masses

ObjectivesTo assess the value of conventional, Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) (conventional ultrasonography (US), Doppler US and CEUS) for diagnosing ovarian cancer.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were conducted for studies published until October 2021.Eligibility criteriaStudies assessed the diagnostic value of conventional US, Doppler US or CEUS for detecting ovarian cancer, with no restrictions placed on published language and status.Data extraction and synthesisThe study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent authors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR), diagnostic OR (DOR) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were pooled using the bivariate generalised linear mixed model and random effects model.ResultsThe meta-analysis included 72 studies and involved 9296 women who presented with ovarian masses. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for conventional US were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.94) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.91), 6.87 (95% CI: 4.98 to 9.49) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.15), 57.52 (95% CI: 36.64 to 90.28) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93 to 0.97), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for Doppler US were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.95) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.89), 6.10 (95% CI: 4.59 to 8.11) and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.11), 61.76 (95% CI: 39.99 to 95.37) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.97), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for CEUS were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.95), 11.47 (95% CI: 6.52 to 20.17) and 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.09), 152.11 (95% CI: 77.77 to 297.51) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97 to 0.99), respectively. Moreover, the AUC values for conventional US (p=0.002) and Doppler US (p=0.005) were inferior to those of CEUS.ConclusionsConventional US, Doppler US and CEUS have a relatively high differential diagnostic value for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian masses. The diagnostic performance of CEUS was superior to that of conventional US and Doppler US.

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Diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs in hepatoblastoma: A systematic review with meta-analysis

10.37766/inplasy2021.11.0045 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bin Wu ◽

◽

Lixia Guo ◽

Kaikai Zhen ◽

Chao Sun

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Prognostic Value ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Prognostic Indicator ◽

Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Likelihood Ratios ◽

Clinical Value ◽

Diagnostic And Prognostic Value

Review question / Objective: Background and aim: Increasing evidence has revealed the valuable diagnostic and prognostic applications of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common hepatic malignancy during childhood. However, these results are inconsistent and remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to systematically compile up-to-date information regarding the clinical value of miRNAs in HB. Methods: Articles concerning the diagnostic and prognostic value of single miRNAs for HB were searched from databases. The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve (AUC), and hazard ratios (HRs) were separately pooled to explore the diagnostic and prognostic performance of miRNA. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were further carried out only in the event of heterogeneity. Results: In all, 20 studies, involving 264 HB patients and 206 healthy individuals, met the inclusion criteria in the six included literature articles. For the diagnostic analysis of miRNAs in HB, the pooled SEN and SPE were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72–0.80) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70–0.80), respectively. Moreover, the pooled PLR was 2.79 (95% CI: 2.12–3.66), NLR was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.26–0.45), DOR was 10.24 (95% CI: 6.55–16.00), and AUC was 0.83, indicating that miRNAs had moderate diagnostic value in HB. For the prognostic analysis of miRNAs in HB, the abnormal expressions of miR-21, miR-34a, miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-492, miR-193, miR-222, and miR-224 in patients were confirmed to be associated with a worse prognosis. The pooled HR was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.20–2.29) for overall survival (OS) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31–2.18) for event-free survival (EFS), suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator for HB. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis that examines the diagnostic and prognostic role of dysregulated miRNAs in HB patients. The combined meta-analysis results supported the previous individual finds that miRNAs might provide a new, noninvasive method for the diagnostic and prognostic analyses ofHB.

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Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of radionuclide imaging for thyroid nodules

Gland Surgery ◽

10.21037/gs-21-766 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

pp. 0-0

Author(s):

Xin Song ◽

Zhongmei Luo ◽

Haiyan Sun ◽

Lingna Hao

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Radionuclide Imaging ◽

Thyroid Nodules ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Value

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Diagnostic Value of TLE1 in Synovial Sarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sarcoma ◽

10.1155/2020/7192347 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marc El Beaino ◽

Daniel C. Jupiter ◽

Tarek Assi ◽

Elie Rassy ◽

Alexander J. Lazar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Synovial Sarcoma ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Specific Marker ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

The Mean

Background. Synovial sarcoma can present morphologically in multiple forms, including biphasic and monophasic subtypes. As a result, the histological diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. Transducin-Like Enhancer 1 (TLE1) is a transcriptional corepressor that normally is involved in embryogenesis and hematopoiesis but is also expressed in certain tumors. This systematic review examines the potential role of TLE1 as a diagnostic biomarker for the synovial sarcoma. Materials and Methods. A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted using the electronic databases Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria and were selected for in-depth analysis. Results. The mean sensitivity and specificity of TLE1 in detecting synovial sarcoma were 94% (95% CI 91%–97%) and 81% (95% CI 72%–91%), respectively, when all studies were aggregated together. The mean positive predictive value (PPV) of TLE1 was 75% (95% CI 62%–87%), whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI 93%–98%). Conclusion. TLE1 is a sensitive and specific marker for synovial sarcoma that can aid in its diagnosis. Due to its involvement in several relevant signaling pathways, TLE1 might have direct relevance to the pathophysiology of the disease.

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The diagnostic value of RASSF1A promoter methylation in prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2020.07.15.204024 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Su-Liang Li ◽

Ye-Xing Li ◽

Yun Ye ◽

Xiao-Hua Yuan ◽

Jian-Jun Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Promoter Methylation ◽

Predictive Accuracy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Methylation Status ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

Larger Sample

AbstractBackgroundRASSF1A promoter methylation is consistent with clinicopathological data and has good accuracy in distinguishing tumors. However, the diagnostic parameters vary among previous studies. A systematic review was conducted to explore the diagnostic value of RASSF1A promoter methylation in prostate cancer.MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature in the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase and ISI Web of Science databases up to May 21, 2020 was performed. STATA software version 12.0 and Meta-disc version 1.4 were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe pooled sensitivity was 0.64 (95% CI 0.61–0.66), the pooled specificity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.77–0.83), the PLR was 3.82 (95% CI 1.96–7.44), and the NLR was 0.29 (95% CI 0.16–0.52). Furthermore, the pooled DOR of RASSF1A promoter methylation for prostate cancer was 13.08 (95% CI: 6.56–26.08). The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90). The results of the meta-regression suggested that heterogeneity was mainly derived from publication year. Fagan’s nomogram showed that the predictive accuracy was increased significantly by detecting RASSF1A promoter methylation for diagnosing prostate cancer.ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggests that detection of the RASSF1A promoter methylation status can be used for the diagnosis of PCa. In the future, further analyses and studies of larger sample sizes in large centers are needed to confirm our conclusion.

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Diagnostic accuracy of MRA and MRI for the bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-019-1460-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tao Huang ◽

Jian Liu ◽

Yupeng Ma ◽

Dongsheng Zhou ◽

Liang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Mr Arthrography ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Partial Thickness ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background Numerous quantitatively studies have focused on the diagnosis of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs); however, the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) remains inconclusive. This study was performed systematically to compare the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for the bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs. Methods Three electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were utilized to retrieve articles comparing the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for detecting bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs. After screening and diluting out the articles that met the inclusion criteria to be used for statistical analysis, the pooled evaluation indexes include sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results Twelve studies involving 1740 patients and 1741 shoulders were identified. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC of MRA to diagnose bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67–0.85), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99), 73.01 (95% CI, 35.01–152.26), and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85–0.91), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC of MRI were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66–0.86) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.81–0.99), and 37.12 (95% CI, 8.08–170.64) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.85), respectively. Conclusions This meta-analysis reveals that MRA and MRI have similar diagnostic value for the diagnosis of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

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