Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Differential Diagnosis of Malignant and Benign Soft Tissue Masses: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the value of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant soft tissue masses (STMs). Relevant studies published before March 24, 2020 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane and Web of Science. According to the inclusion criteria, five studies were selected comprising 746 patients. In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant STMs, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71%-81%; heterogeneity [I-2] = 74.5%) and 67% (95% CI: 62%-71%; I-2 = 36.5%), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 7.37 (95% CI: 3.78%-14.35; I-2 = 66.6%). The overall area under the curve was 0.77 (standard error: 0.0392). Subgroup analysis revealed that different index tests of CEUS resulted in different diagnostic performance. Importantly, CEUS is an effective method for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant STMs. (E-mail addresses: lynx_ko@163.com; xudi2020612@163.com) (C) 2020 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. All rights reserved.