Diagnostic efficacy value in terms of sensitivity and specificity of imaging modalities in detecting the abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to examine whether duplex ultrasonography (DUS) or MR angiography (MRA) or CT angiography (CTA) is more applicable to use as alternative modality in terms of sensitivity and specificity for detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A search of the medical databases was performed for describing AAA evaluation and detection. Twenty eight studies were found and met the selection criteria. Diameter of aneurysms was categorised by size: ≤ 2.5 cm of the aneurysm diameter. For aneurisms ≤ 2.5 cm, the mean reported sensitivities and specificities were DUS: 81% and 91.1%; CTA: 84.3% and 98.4%; MRA: 95.8% and 95.8%, respectively compared DSA as gold standard. MRA has the highest sensitivity and CTA has the highest specificity reported diagnostic accuracy in detecting the aneurysm ≤ 2.5 cm of AAA diameter and they could be used as a reliable alternative modality to invasive DSA.