Diagnostic value of the vascular index measured by superb microvascular imaging for evaluating breast tumors: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Oncologic Imaging
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate diagnosis of breast tumors is crucial for effective treatment.
• Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) offers enhanced visualization of tumor vascularity.
• The vascular index (VI) is a quantitative parameter derived from SMI.

Approach:

• A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, searching major scientific databases until March 2023.
• Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic metrics were calculated using Stata software.
• Heterogeneity, publication bias, and robustness of findings were assessed using established statistical methods.

Key Points:

• The meta-analysis included six studies comprising 1200 breast lesions.
• Pooled sensitivity for SMI-VI was 0.80, specificity was 0.68, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.81.
• Positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 2.54 and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.29.

Conclusions:

• Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) utilizing the vascular index (VI) demonstrates significant potential in the diagnosis of breast neoplasms.
• SMI-VI serves as a valuable quantitative imaging parameter.
• The application of SMI-VI may lead to improved patient outcomes.