Ultrasound‐based radiomics for the differential diagnosis of breast masses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Objectives Ultrasound‐based radiomics has demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses. Given a few clinical studies on their diagnostic role, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the potential effects of ultrasound‐based radiomics for the differential diagnosis of breast masses, aiming to provide evidence‐based medical basis for clinical research. Materials and Methods We searched Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases from inception through to February 2023. The methodological quality assessment of the included studies was performed according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist. A diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve delineating benign and malignant lesions were recorded. We also used sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Deeks' funnel plots was used to examine the publication bias. Results A total of 11 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. For the diagnosis of malignant breast masses worldwide, the overall mean rates of sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound‐based radiomics were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.95) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82–0.94), respectively. The summary diagnostic odds ratio was 76 (95% CI, 26–219), and the area under the curve for the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93–0.97). Conclusion Ultrasound‐based radiomics has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between benign and malignant breast masses, and could reduce unnecessary biopsies.