Abstract:

Objective To assess the value of pleural indentation in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodule less than 3 cm by Meta-analysis.Methods Firstly,articles about pleural indentation in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodule were selected and useful data were extracted.Then Meta-analysis was done using Revman software,and SDOR value calculated.Subsequently,pooled weighted sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value were analyzed.Finally,summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn Results Eight articles entered the meta-analysis.The area under the SROC curved was 0.61.The SDOR value of pleural indentation and nodule notch due to pleural indentation in diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary carcinoma was 1.30 and 11.97,respectively;the pooled sensitivity value was 57% and 30%,respectively;the pooled specificity value was 46% and 96%,respectively;the pooled positive predictive value was 80% and 97%,respectively;and the pooled negative predictive value was 22% and 29%,respectively.Conclusion Pleural indentation has poor specificity in diagnosing pulmonary nodule less than 3 cm.If some characteristics of pleural indentation are identified,such as nodule notch due to pleural indentation,the specificity and accuracy would get elevated.

Key words: small peripheral pulmonary carcinoma, tuberculosis, pulmonary, pleural, meta-analysis indentation