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Abstract
To perform a meta-analysis to determine sensitivity and specificity estimates of helical CT-enteroclysis in the detection of small-bowel tumours.
A search for relevant articles published from January 1992 to November 2010 was performed. Study design, patient characteristics and 2×2 contingency tables were recorded for eligible studies. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I ^sup 2^ statistic. A bivariate generalised linear random-effects model was used to summarise sensitivity and specificity estimates for small-bowel tumour detection on a per-patient basis. Sensitivity and specificity estimates were compared in different subgroups.
Twelve studies (696 patients) were eligible. The mean small-bowel tumour prevalence was 22.6 % (range 7.7-45.8 %). Inter-study heterogeneity was substantial for sensitivity (I ^sup 2^=66.9 %; 95 % CI 28.7-88.5 %) and low for specificity (I ^sup 2^=10.6 %; 95 % CI 0.0-55.0 %). On a per-patient basis, pooled sensitivity was 92.8 % (95 % CI 71.3-98.5 %) and pooled specificity 99.2 % (95 % CI 94.2-99.9 %) for the diagnosis of small-bowel tumour. Subgroup analysis revealed that small-bowel preparation, more than one imaging pass and large volumes (>=2 L) of enteral contrast agent did not improve tumour detection.
Our meta-analysis confirms that helical CT-enteroclysis has high degrees of sensitivity and specificity for small-bowel tumour detection. However, our findings reinforce the need for more standardised individual studies.
* Helical CT-enteroclysis is highly sensitive for the diagnosis of small-bowel tumours.
* Helical CT-enteroclysis is highly specific for the diagnosis of small-bowel tumours,
* Helical CT-enteroclysis can be used as a first-line investigation.
* A single enteric phase examination provides optimal tumour detection. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]