Consistency of superb microvascular imaging and contrast enhanced ultrasonography in detecting intraplaque neovascularization: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to identify the consistency of superb microvascular imaging(SMI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS) in detecting intraplaque neovascularization(IPN). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, and CBM databases without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 15.1 software. We calculated the pooled Kappa index. Ten studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 608 carotid plaques were assessed through both SMI and CEUS. The pooled summary Kappa index was 0.743(95 % CI=0.696-0.790) with statistical significance(z= 31.14, p<0.01). We found no evidence for publication bias (t=-1.21, p=0.261). Our meta-analysis indicates that SMI and CEUS display a good consistency in detecting IPN of carotid plaque, that is to say SMI ultrasound maybe a promising alternative to CEUS for detecting IPN of carotid plaque.