Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41992154›Full record

SynthesisBMC medical imaging2026

Diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence versus conventional imaging for differentiating G2/G3 from G1 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zhihao Zhang, Jinhua Hu, Peng Lei, Qi Wu, Changhui Huang, Xiqi Zhu

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC medical imaging, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Zhihao Zhang *Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
Jinhua Hu *Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
Peng LeiDepartment of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
Qi WuDepartment of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
Changhui Huang *Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China. hch7891@sina.com.
Xiqi Zhu *Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China. xiqi.zhu@ymun.edu.cn.

Funding

Guangxi Key Laboratory for Preclinical and TranslationalResearch on Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Baise, China. CN-1215-20014; GX203312
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAccurate preoperative grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), specifically differentiating G2/G3 from G1, is pivotal for treatment planning but challenging with conventional biopsy. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging modalities, particularly comparing Machine Learning/Deep Learning (ML/DL) algorithms against conventional expert interpretation.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to December 2025. Studies utilizing CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for PanNET grading were included. A bivariate random-effects model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate heterogeneity and the impact of validation strategies.

resultsSeventeen studies comprising 928 patients were included. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71–0.83) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77–0.87), respectively, with an AUC of 0.87. Notably, ML/DL models demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than conventional imaging (0.84 vs. 0.71, p < 0.01) but lower specificity (0.78 vs. 0.87, p < 0.01). Multicenter studies showed a trend toward higher diagnostic metrics compared to single-center cohorts. Interestingly, the performance gap between external and internal validation narrowed when restricted to AI subgroups, suggesting the robustness of modern algorithms.

conclusionsImaging-based analysis offers high diagnostic accuracy for PanNET grading. A theoretical sequential diagnostic strategy is suggested: utilizing AI’s high sensitivity for initial screening, followed by expert radiological review to ensure specificity.

Indexed as

Artificial IntelligenceNeuroendocrine TumorsPancreatic NeoplasmsDeep LearningEndosonographyHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingNeoplasm GradingSensitivity and SpecificityTomography, X-Ray ComputedArtificial intelligenceGradingImagingMeta-analysisPancreatic neuroendocrine tumorsRadiomics

Identifiers

PMID41992154
PMCPMC13227626

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.