A meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of dual-time-point F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for diagnosis of pulmonary nodules

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the efficacy of dual-time-point (DTP) F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. Methods: Using computer and manual search, the current research about the efficacy of DTP F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing pulmonary nodules was collected. According to the evaluation criteria of Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Scale, the data from 13 studies were analyzed by Meta-DiSc software, and the sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), positive likelihood ratios (LR+), and negative likelihood ratios (LRu) were summarized. Results: A total of 13 articles were included in this study, involving 962 patients. The meta-analysis showed that the rough Sen of DTP PET/CT was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76u0.84, I-2 = 83.2%), the summary Spe was 0.75 (95% CI 0.71u0.79, I-2 = 89.3%), the summary LR (+) and LRu were 2.57 (95% CI 1.54u4.29) and 0.28 (95% CI 0.16u0.5), respectively, and DOR was 10.01 (95% CI 3.83u26.18). Conclusion: DTP F-FDG PET/CT has similar Sen and Spe, with single-time-point PET/CT in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. Further high-quality research is required to explore the potential value of DTP F-FDG PET/CT.