Diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of calcifications: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Since its introduction, susceptibility-weighted-magnetic resonance imaging (SW-MRI) has shown the potential to overcome the insensitivity of MRI to calcification. Previous studies reporting the diagnostic performance of SW-MRI and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of calcifications are inconsistent and based on single-institution designs. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis on SW-MRI, determining the potential of SW-MRI to detect calcifications. Two independent investigators searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science for eligible diagnostic accuracy studies, which were published until March 24, 2017 and investigated the accuracy of SW-MRI to detect calcifications, using computed tomography (CT) as a reference. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess study quality and methods for analysis were based on PRISMA. A bivariate diagnostic random-effects model was applied to obtain pooled sensitivities and specificities. Out of the 4629 studies retrieved by systematic literature search, 12 clinical studies with 962 patients and a total of 1,032 calcifications were included. Pooled sensitivity was 86.5% (95%-confidence interval (CI): 73.6–93.7%) for SW-MRI and 36.7% (95%–CI:29.2–44.8%) for standard MRI. Pooled specificities of SW-MRI (90.8%; 95%–CI:81.0–95.8%) and standard MRI (94.2; 95%–CI:88.9–96.7%) were comparable. Results of the present meta-analysis suggest, that SW-MRI is a reliable method for detecting calcifications in soft tissues.

Bilateral lesions of the basal ganglia and thalami (central grey matter)—pictorial review

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for assessment of pathology involving the deep grey matter nuclei, due to its superior contrast resolution compared to computed tomography (CT). Nonetheless, CT has a distinct role as the reference standard for detection of calcification, while susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SW-MRI) has slightly lower accuracy [ 4 ]. However, SW-MRI, and especially the phase information of this sequence, is a valid alternative for CT in the detection of calcifications, when CT is not available or only one examination is possible.…”

Value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for the assessment of angle measurements reflecting hip morphology

“…SWMR is a 3D gradient-echo(GRE)-technique, which can visualise calcified structures like the calcified bone matrix [10][11][12][13] . SWMR is sensitive to substances, which distort the magnetic field, like paramagnetic or diamagnetic substances.…”

Common Sonographic Patterns of Kidney Diseases in Nnewi North, Anambra State, Nigeria

“…Resonance Imaging is that it does not work very well in the urinary tract, is expensive and its signals will not show calci cations in soft tissue and bladder abnormalities 3 except on susceptibility-weighted (S -W) MRI 4 which is not common in our locality. Also, in addition to being expensive, MRI and CT imaging are not readily available in most local settings in Nigeria.…”

“…Also, in addition to being expensive, MRI and CT imaging are not readily available in most local settings in Nigeria. 4 Ultrasound machine uses high frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures. It is a high-spatialresolution modality that provides greater, high-level detail of a structure, especially when it is not too deep from the skin's surface.…”