Meta-analysis of thyroid imaging reporting and data system in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of 10,437 thyroid nodules

Abstract

Background The meta-analysis was performed to review the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound reporting and data system in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods We identified the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound reporting and data system in 5 databases. Meta-analyses were used in selected studies to obtain pooled sensitivity, specificity, and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Fixed or random-effects models were performed to analyze our data. Results Twelve eligible studies were identified, including 10,437 thyroid nodules. A pooled sensitivity of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.81) and a pooled specificity of 0.71 (95% CI = 0.70-0.72) of ultrasound reporting system in differentiated diagnosis of thyroid nodules were shown in meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses showed that the most important factor of heterogeneity in studies was the final diagnostic references (histological and cytological standards or only histological results). Conclusion The thyroid imaging reporting and data system has a good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of patients with thyroid nodules.