Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Superb Microvascular Imaging for Breast Tumor: a Meta-analysis

Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to identify the accuracy of ultrasound superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for the diagnosis of a breast tumor.

Material And Method: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and CBM databases from January 1st, 2013 until February 1st, 2020 without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0 and Meta-Disc version 1.4 software. We calculated the summary statistics for sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+/LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve.

Results: Fifteen studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 955 breast neoplasm patients and 1116 patients with benign breast tumors were assessed. All breast lesions were histologically confirmed after SMI. The pooled Sen was 0.81 (95%CI=0.78-0.83); the pooled Spe was 0.71 (95%CI=0.68-0.73) The pooled LR+ was 3.24 (95%CI=2.27-4.64); the pooled negative LR-was 0.25 (95%CI=0.18-0.34) The pooled DOR of SMI in the diagnosis of breast tumor was 46.97 (95 % CI=16.72∼131.97). The area under the SROC curve was 0.87 (95%CI=0.84- 0.90). We found no evidence for publication bias (t=-0.84, p=0.42).

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates that SMI may have a high diagnostic accuracy in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant breast tumors. Thus, SMI may be a good tool for the diagnosis of breast tumors.