Head-to-head comparison between 18 F-FDG PET/low-dose CT and 18 F-FDG PET/contrast-enhanced CT in relapsing ovarian carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In this study, a systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis was carried out to compare18F-FDG PET/ldCT18F-FDG PET/ceCT in relapsing OC.Materials and methodsWe performed a systematic review of the literature through the most relevant databases and web sources. Original articles published before September 2020 and concerning a direct comparison of18F-FDG PET/ceCT and18F-FDG PET/ldCT in detecting an OC recurrence were considered. A proportion meta-analysis was then performed using a random-effects model.ResultsOut of 111 identified papers, a total of four (296 patients) were selected, all of them representing retrospective analyses. The pooled sensitivity of18F-FDG PET/ldCT and18F-FDG PET/ceCT in identifying OC relapse was 84% (95% CI 69 –95) and 89% (95% CI 78–97), respectively. The increase of sensitivity when using18F-FDG PET/ceCT over18F-FDG PET/ldCT was 6% (95% CI 2 –12).Discussion18F-FDG PET/CT showed an excellent diagnostic performance in suspected OC recurrence. Given the similar performance between PET/ldCT and PET/ceCT, the low-dose variant could be preferred to reduce absorbed dose and the patients ’ discomfort during the examination.The contrast-enhanced addition could be reserved in the case of PET/ldCT doubtful findings, which could affect the therapeutic management.
Source: Clinical and Translational Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research