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Published on: June 2, 2015
Diagnosis efficiency for pulmonary embolism using magnetic resonance imaging method: a meta-analysis
1Department of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University Weifang 261053, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
PE (Pulmonary embolism, PE) is a common disease, usually caused by blockage of pulmonary artery and its branches due to exogenous or endogenous embolic obstruction. PE always be misdiagnosed in clinical. The aim of this study is to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the resectability of PE. In this study, a meta-analysis of the reported sensitivity and specificity of each study with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was performed. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the quality assessment scores ranged from 11 to 13, with a mean study quality score of 12. The sensitivity and specificity values including 95% CI at the patient level were calculated. The sensitivities ranged from 78% to 100%, and the specificity ranged from 99% to 100%. The pooled sensitivity value including 95% CI was 0.83 (0.78-0.88), and with inconsistency (I (2)) of 62.8%. The pooled specificity value including 95% CI was 0.99 (0.98-1.00), with inconsistency (I(2)) of 0.0%. Pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) (95% CI) was 70.22 (29.04-169.76), and the pooled negative likelihood ratio (NLR) (95% CI) was 0.19 (0.14-0.25). The overall diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) (95% CI) was 448.98 (163.47-1233.18). The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) data illustrated that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9852. In conclusion, the MRI method may be acts as a potential and assistant method for the PE diagnosis.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE), a common and often misdiagnosed condition. This meta-analysis confirms MRI
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening condition often characterized by misdiagnosis.
- Accurate diagnostic tools are crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the resectability of pulmonary embolism (PE).
- To quantify the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for PE diagnosis through a meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on five studies reporting sensitivity and specificity for MRI in PE diagnosis.
- Pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.
- Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- The pooled sensitivity for MRI in PE diagnosis was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78-0.88) with moderate heterogeneity (I²=62.8%).
- The pooled specificity was high at 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-1.00) with no significant heterogeneity (I²=0.0%).
- The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.9852, indicating excellent diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE).
- MRI serves as a valuable and supportive tool in the clinical diagnosis of PE.
- The findings support the integration of MRI into diagnostic algorithms for PE.

