Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound superb microvascular imaging for lymph nodes: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: As a novel ultrasound technique, superb microvascular imaging can quickly, simply and noninvasively study the microvascular distribution in the tumor and evaluate the microvascular perfusion. Studies suggested that superb microvascular imaging is helpful for the differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes. However, the results of these studies have been contradictory. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aimed at determining the accuracy of superb microvascular imaging in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lymph nodes. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Chinese biomedical databases from their inceptions to the July 30, 2020, without language restrictions. Two authors will independently carry out searching literature records, scanning titles and abstracts, full texts, collecting data, and assessing risk of bias. Review Manager 5.2 and Stata14.0 software will be used for data analysis. RESULTS: This systematic review will determine the accuracy of superb microvascular imaging in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Its findings will provide helpful evidence for the accuracy of superb microvascular imaging in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lymph nodes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202070133.