Diagnostic role of 18F-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography in patients with congenital hyperinsulinism: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Studies have reported the applications of F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (F-DOPA) PET in patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). The aim of this study was to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data on the diagnostic role of F-DOPA PET in patients with CHI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A comprehensive computer literature search of studies on F-DOPA PET or PET/computed tomography (CT) in patients with CHI was conducted. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of F-DOPA PET or PET/CT in patients with CHI were calculated. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was calculated to measure the accuracy of F-DOPA PET or PET/CT in patients with CHI.

RESULTS:

Ten studies comprising 181 patients with CHI were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of F-DOPA PET and PET/CT in detecting CHI was 88% on a per-patient-based analysis. The pooled specificity of F-DOPA PET and PET/CT in demonstrating CHI was 79%. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.92 on a per-patient-based analysis.

CONCLUSION:

In patients with CHI, F-DOPA PET or PET/CT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. F-DOPA PET and PET/CT are accurate methods for the diagnosis of CHI. Nevertheless, possible sources of false-positive and false-negative results should be kept in mind.

• Authors: Jigang Yang, Ruirui Hao, Xiaohua Zhu
• Journal: Nuclear medicine communications (Nucl Med Commun) Vol. 34 Issue 4 Pg. 347-53 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 1473-5628 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23376859 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• fluorodopa F 18
• Dihydroxyphenylalanine

Topics

• Congenital Hyperinsulinism (diagnostic imaging)
• Dihydroxyphenylalanine (analogs & derivatives)
• Humans
• Positron-Emission Tomography (methods)
• Quality Control