The accuracy of risk scores in predicting ovarian malignancy: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review of the literature on the accuracy of prediction models in the preoperative assessment of adnexal masses.


METHODS
Studies were identified through the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to March 2008. The MEDLINE search was performed using the keywords ["ovarian neoplasms"[MeSH] NOT "therapeutics"[MeSH] AND "model"] and ["ovarian neoplasms"[MeSH] NOT "therapeutics"[MeSH] AND "prediction"]. The Embase search was performed using the keywords [ovary tumor AND prediction], [ovary tumor AND Mathematical model], and [ovary tumor AND statistical model].


METHODS
The search detected 1,161 publications; from the cross-references, another 116 studies were identified. Language restrictions were not applied. Eligible studies contained data on the accuracy of models predicting the risk of malignancy in ovarian masses. Models were required to combine at least two parameters.


RESULTS
Two independent reviewers selected studies and extracted study characteristics, study quality, and test accuracy. There were 109 accuracy studies that met the selection criteria. Accuracy data were used to form two-by-two contingency tables of the results of the risk score compared with definitive histology. We used bivariate meta-analysis to estimate pooled sensitivities and specificities and to fit summary receiver operating characteristic curves.Studies included in our analysis reported on 83 different prediction models. The model developed by Sassone was the most evaluated prediction model. All models has acceptable sensitivity and specificity. However, the Risk of Malignancy Index I and the Risk of Malignancy Index II, which use the product of the serum CA 125 level, an ultrasound scan result, and the menopausal state, were the best predictors. When 200 was used as the cutoff level, the pooled estimate for sensitivity was 78% for a specificity of 87%.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our review, the Risk of Malignancy Index should be the prediction model of choice in the preoperative assessment of the adnexal mass.
Geomini
Peggy
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. peggy.geomini@hetnet.nl
Kruitwagen
Roy
R
Bremer
Gérard L
GL
Cnossen
Jeltsje
J
Mol
Ben W J
BW
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015415:Biomarkers