Application of CT and MRI images based on artificial intelligence to predict lymph node metastases in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: a subgroup meta-analysis

Background The performance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been quantitatively evaluated. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on the diagnostic performance of CT and MRI based on AI algorithms for predicting LN metastases in patients with OSCC. Methods We searched the Embase, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies on the use of AI in predicting LN metastasis in OSCC. Binary diagnostic accuracy data were extracted to obtain the outcomes of interest, namely, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, and compared the diagnostic performance of AI with that of radiologists. Subgroup analyses were performed with regard to different types of AI algorithms and imaging modalities. Results Fourteen eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the AI models for the diagnosis of LN metastases were 0.92 (95% CI 0.89–0.94), 0.79 (95% CI 0.72–0.85), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86–0.93), respectively. Promising diagnostic performance was observed in the subgroup analyses based on algorithm types machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) and imaging modalities (CT vs. MRI). The pooled diagnostic performance of AI was significantly better than that of experienced radiologists. Discussion In conclusion, AI based on CT and MRI imaging has good diagnostic accuracy in predicting LN metastasis in patients with OSCC and thus has the potential for clinical application. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails , PROSPERO (No. CRD42024506159).