Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in characterization of inconclusive cervical lymph nodes: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Lymph node metastases are common in malignant neoplasms of head and neck. Since cervical lymph nodes (cLN) are localized superficially, ultrasound (US) represents the primary imaging modality. The aim of the study is to report the value of US and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and their diagnostic confidence in the characterization of inconclusive cLN. A systematic review was performed using the literature data base PubMed. Results were filtered (published in a peer-reviewed journal, full-text available, published within the last ten years, species human, English or German full-text) and inclusion criteria were clearly defined (cohort with lymphadenopathy or malignancy in head and neck ≥ 50 patients, histological confirmation of malignant imaging findings, performance of CEUS as outcome variable). The results were quantified in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Overall, five studies were included in qualitative and quantitative analysis. The combination of non-enhanced US and CEUS enlarges the diagnostic confidence in the characterization of lymph nodes of unclear dignity. The pooled values for sensitivity and specificity in the characterization of a malignant cervical lymph node using US are 76% (95%-CI 66–83%, I(2) = 63%, p < 0.01) and 80% (95%-CI 45–95%, I(2) = 92%, p < 0.01), compared to 92% (95%-CI 89–95%, I(2) = 0%, p = 0.65) and 91% (95%-CI 87–94%, I(2) = 0%, p = 0.40) for the combination of US and CEUS, respectively. Consistent results of the included studies show improved diagnostic performance by additional CEUS. Nevertheless, more prospective studies are needed to implement CEUS in the diagnostic pathway of cLN.