The value of TI-RADS combined with superb microvascular imaging in distinguishing thyroid nodules: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: As a novel ultrasonic technique, superb microvascular imaging (SMI) can quickly, simply and noninvasively observe the microvascular distribution in a tumor and evaluate the microvascular perfusion. Previous studies have shown that SMI can detect the blood flow signals of neovascularization in tumors and increase the sensitivity for detecting thyroid cancer. However, the results of these studies have been contradictory, and the sample sizes were too small. Therefore, the present meta-analysis will aim at evaluating the value of a thyroid imaging report and data system (TI-RADS) combined with SMI in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Chinese biomedical databases from their inceptions to the June 31, 2020. Two authors will independently carry out searching literature records; scanning titles, abstracts, and 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 evaluate the value of TI-RADS combined with SMI in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202070113.