[ 18 F]FDG PET/CT versus pelvic MRI in preoperative diagnosis of lateral lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer: a meta-analysis.
Clin RadiolJul 7, 2026 (epub)
Q Meng, B Yu, H Ma et al.
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In 30 seconds
[18F]FDG PET/CT and pelvic MRI were compared for their diagnostic accuracy in detecting lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in rectal cancer through a meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 2,209 patients. The analysis found that [18F]FDG PET/CT had a pooled sensitivity of 0.63 and specificity of 0.97, while pelvic MRI had a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.82. Notably, [18F]FDG PET/CT showed significantly higher specificity.
Key findings
- [18F]FDG PET/CT had a pooled sensitivity of 0.63 and specificity of 0.97.
- Pelvic MRI exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.82.
- [18F]FDG PET/CT demonstrated significantly higher specificity compared to pelvic MRI (P < 0.01).
- No significant difference in sensitivity was found between the two imaging modalities (P = 0.09).
Why it matters
Understanding the diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for LLNM in rectal cancer is crucial for surgical planning. Higher specificity of [18F]FDG PET/CT may reduce unnecessary surgeries and associated complications.