Abstract
Accurate detection of recurrent colorectal carcinoma remains a diagnostic challenge. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic value of Positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorโ18โdeoxyglucose (FDG) in recurrent colorectal carcinoma with a metaโanalysis. All the published studies in English relating the diagnostic value of FDGโPET in the detection of recurrent colorectal carcinoma were collected. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio and SROC (summary receiver operating characteristic curves) were obtained by the statistical software. Twentyโseven studies were included in the metaโanalysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for FDGโPET detecting distant metastasis or whole body involvement in recurrent colorectal carcinoma were 0.91 (95% CI 0.88โ0.92) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.79โ0.87), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for FDGโPET detecting hepatic metastasis were 0.97 (95% CI 0.95โ0.98) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.97โ0.99). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for pelvic metastasis or local regional recurrence were 0.94 (95% CI 0.91โ0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.92โ0.96). FDGโPET is valuable for the assessment of recurrent colorectal carcinoma. ยฉ 2008 WileyโLiss, Inc.