Diagnosis of parotid gland tumours with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) appears to be a promising application for the diagnosis of parotid glandtumours. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the ability of CEUS in distinguishing benign from malignantparotid gland tumours. PubMed was searched for relevant studies. Data on area under time intensitycurve (AUC) in arbitrary unit (AU), and mean transit time (MTT) in seconds (sec) were analysed using the Cochrane ReviewManager Software. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria comprising a total number of 498 parotid gland tumours(benign, number (n)=423; malignant, n=75). Descriptive evaluation of parotid gland tumours following CEUS administrationshowed overlap characteristics in benign and malignancies. Two publications assessed AUC and MTT in 72 and 60 parotidgland tumours, respectively. AUC was significantly lower in benign compared to malignant tumours following contrast administration(AUC, mean difference (MD) -266.77 AU, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -433.22, -100.33, p=0.002). No significantdifferent in MTT between benign and malignant tumours (p=0.12). Heterogeneity was statistically significant in AUC (p=0.04)and MTT (p<0.00001). Descriptive evaluation of parotid gland tumours showed overlap CEUS characteristics.Perfusion related CEUS parameters analysis is promising in differentiating benign parotid tumours from malignancies.