Diagnostic accuracy of S-Detect in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis

Objectives In this meta-analysis study, the main objective was to determine the accuracy of S-detect in effectively distinguishing malignant thyroid nodules from benign thyroid nodules. Methods We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception to August 1, 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0 and Meta-Disc version 1.4 softwares. We calculated summary statistics for sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+/LR-), diagnostic odds ratio(DOR), and receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Cochran's Q-statistic and I-2 test were used to evaluate potential heterogeneity between studies. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of single studies on the overall estimate. We also performed meta-regression analyses to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results In this study, a total of 17 studies meeting the requirements of the standard were used. The number of benign and malignant nodules analyzed and evaluated in this paper was 1595 and 1118 respectively. This paper mainly completes the required histological confirmation through s-detect. The pooled Sen and pooled Spe were 0.87 and 0.74, respectively, (95%CI = 0.84-0.89) and (95%CI = 0.66-0.81). Furthermore, the pooled LR+ and negative LR- were determined to be 3.37 (95%CI = 2.53-4.50) and 0.18 (95%CI = 0.15-0.21), respectively. The experimental results showed that the pooled DOR of thyroid nodules was 18.83 (95% CI = 13.21-26.84). In addition, area under SROC curve was determined to be 0.89 (SE = 0.0124). It should be pointed out that there is no evidence of bias (i.e. t = 0.25, P = 0.80). Conclusions Through this meta-analysis, it can be seen that the accuracy of s-detect is relatively high for the effective distinction between malignant thyroid nodules and benign thyroid nodules.

Automated summary

The objective of this meta-analysis study was to evaluate the accuracy of S-detect in distinguishing between malignant and benign thyroid nodules. A total of 17 studies were included, with 1595 benign nodules and 1118 malignant nodules analyzed. S-detect showed relatively high accuracy, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.87 and specificity of 0.74.