Chest computed tomography as a primary tool in COVID-19 detection: an update meta-analysis

Purpose A growing number of publications have paid close attention to the chest computed tomography (CT) detection of COVID-19 with inconsistent diagnostic accuracy, the present meta-analysis assessed the available evidence regarding the overall performance of chest CT for COVID-19. Methods 2 × 2 diagnostic table was extracted from each of the included studies. Data on specificity (SPE), sensitivity (SEN), negative likelihood ratio (LR−), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated purposefully. Results Fifteen COVID-19 related publications met our inclusion criteria and were judged qualified for the meta-analysis. The following were summary estimates for diagnostic parameters of chest CT for COVID-19: SPE, 0.49 (95% CI 46–52%); SEN, 0.94 (95% CI 93–95%); LR−, 0.15 (95% CI 11–20%); LR+, 1.93 (95% CI 145–256%); DOR, 17.14 (95% CI 918–3199%); and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.93. Conclusion Chest CT has high SEN, but the SPE is not ideal. It is highly recommended to use a combination of different diagnostic tools to achieve sufficient SEN and SPE. It should be taken into account as a diagnostic tool for current COVID-19 detection, especially for patients with symptoms.