CHICAGO - Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and helical computed tomography fared better than ultrasound for the diagnosis of hypovascular liver metastases, according to a literature meta-analysis study presented at the RSNA meeting this month.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco analyzed Medline abstracts, journal articles and RSNA abstracts published between 1985 and 1998 in which the performance of ultrasound, CT or MRI was evaluated.
In order to be included in the analysis, the data had to consist of proven primary cancer, use of contrast media for CT, blinded readings and histopathology, or at least one-year-follow-up as a standard of reference. Out of 84 articles and 927 abstracts, eight ultrasound, 20 CT and four MRI studies met the criteria.
"Helical CT and enhanced MRI did not show any significant differences in high sensitivity or specificity. (Ultrasound) and non-helical CT showed lower levels of sensitivity and specificity," reported Dr. Karen Kinkel, now at the University of Geneva.
Kinkel also said the data favored helical CT or enhanced MRI before resection of a metastasized liver.
The included studies were reviewed and abstracted by two independent readers who recorded study technique, design, methodological quality and type of data analysis.
"Unfortunately, data is not always presented in an objective and clear way," Kinkel said. "But we found no difference in the modalities because of the way the data was presented."
By Shalmali PalAuntMinnie.com staff writer
December 3, 1999
