Detection of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions by Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Publisher Pubmed



Afkandeh R¹ ; Abedi I¹ ; Zamanian M¹
Source: Clinical Radiology Published:2024

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a valuable method in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). SWI can show diagnostic biomarkers and also distinguish MS lesions from similar diseases. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of SWI for the detection of MS lesions in the brain, while, specific aspects of its performance were examined. Material and methods: Using specified keywords, a search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase/Elsevier-Ovid, and Scholar databases was conducted. The search time filter ranged from the year 2010 to 2023 . Sensitivity and specificity were used as effect sizes, and SE as a precision metric (with 95% confidence interval). The study was performed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) registration. Results: The number of 19 studies with a total of 2026 patients to examine both automated and nonautomated assessments. The pooled sensitivities for MS lesion (MSL), paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs), central vein sign (CVS), and PRL with CVS were 62% (53–72), 37% (17–57), and 60% (31–89). Moreover, the pooled specificities were 93% (90–97), 88% (82–94), 100% (100-100), and 78% (50–100), respectively. Conclusion: Adding the SWI method to routine sequences for MS investigation can provide useful diagnostic information. © 2024 The Royal College of Radiologists