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European Radiology

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01-10-2020 | Pneumonia | Computed Tomography

Chest CT for detecting COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Authors: Buyun Xu, Yangbo Xing, Jiahao Peng, Zhaohai Zheng, Weiliang Tang, Yong Sun, Chao Xu, Fang Peng

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this article was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched up to March 12, 2020. We included studies providing information regarding diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for COVID-19 detection. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity were pooled.

Results

Sixteen studies (n = 3186 patients) were included. The risks of bias in all studies were moderate in general. Pooled sensitivity was 92% (95% CI = 86–96%), and two studies reported specificity (25% [95% CI = 22–30%] and 33% [95% CI = 23–44%], respectively). There was substantial heterogeneity according to Cochran’s Q test (p < 0.01) and Higgins I² heterogeneity index (96% for sensitivity). After dividing the studies into two groups based on the study site, we found that the sensitivity of chest CT was great in Wuhan (the most affected city by the epidemic) and the sensitivity values were very close to each other (97%, 96%, and 99%, respectively). In the regions other than Wuhan, the sensitivity varied from 61 to 98%.

Conclusion

Chest CT offers the great sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, especially in a region with severe epidemic situation. However, the specificity is low. In the context of emergency disease control, chest CT provides a fast, convenient, and effective method to early recognize suspicious cases and might contribute to confine epidemic.

Key Points

• Chest CT has a high sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, especially in a region with severe epidemic, which is helpful to early recognize suspicious cases and might contribute to confine epidemic.

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Title: Chest CT for detecting COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Buyun Xu
Yangbo Xing
Jiahao Peng
Zhaohai Zheng
Weiliang Tang
Yong Sun
Chao Xu
Fang Peng
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Pneumonia
COVID-19
Coronavirus
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06934-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Chest CT for detecting COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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