Diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for detection of spinal metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Detecting spinal metastases is highly relevant in patients with oncological disorders as it can affect the staging and treatment of their disease. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, bone scintigraphy (BS), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for spinal metastases detection.

Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched until March 2024 for diagnostic accuracy studies on spinal metastases detection (PROSPERO-registration: CRD42024540139). Data extraction and quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool were performed by two independent reviewers. Using bivariate random effects modeling, pooled sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were calculated, and hierarchical summary operating curves were constructed.

Twenty-five studies (49 datasets), encompassing 3102 patients were included. Per-patient pooled sensitivities of CT, MRI, PET/CT, BS and SPECT were 70%, 93%, 82%, 75%, and 84%, respectively. Pooled specificities were 74%, 85%, 75%, 92%, and 81%, respectively. Per-lesion pooled sensitivities of CT, MRI, PET/CT, BS and SPECT were 76%, 91%, 92%, 77%, and 92%, respectively. Pooled specificities were 91%, 94%, 85%, 52%, and 86%, respectively. MRI had the highest DOR in per patient and lesion analyses.

MRI had highest diagnostic accuracy for spinal metastases detection on patient and lesion level, suggesting a broader use in addition to the routine staging CT, at least in patients at high risk and where the detection of a spinal metastasis could alter therapy decisions. Herein, results should be considered with the limitations of each modality.