Magnifying endoscopy in upper gastroenterology for assessing lesions before completing endoscopic removal

Any prognosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is closely related to the stage of the disease at diagnosis.Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and en bloc endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) have been performed as curative treatments for many early-stage GI lesions in recent years.The technologies have been widely accepted in many Asian countries because they are minimally invasive and supply thorough histopathologic evaluation of the specimens.However,before engaging in endoscopic therapy,an accurate diagnosis is a precondition to effecting the complete cure of the underlying malignancy or carcinoma in situ.For the past few years,many new types of endoscopic techniques,including magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (MENBI),have emerged in many countries because these methods provide a strong indication of early lesions and are very useful in determining treatment options before ESD or EMR.However,to date,there is no comparable classification equivalent to "Kudo's Pit Pattern Classification in the colon",for the upper GI,there is still no clear internationally accepted classification system of magnifying endoscopy.Therefore,in order to help unify some viewpoints,here we will review the defining optical imaging characteristics and the current representative classifications of microvascular and microsurface patterns in the upper GI tract under ME-NBI,describe the accurate relationship between them and the pathological diagnosis,and their clinical applications prior to ESD or en bloc EMR.We will also discuss assessing the differentiation and depth of invasion,defying the lateral spread of involvement and targeting biopsy in real time.

Conventional colonoscopy and magnified chromoendoscopy for the endoscopic histological prediction of diminutive colorectal polyps: A single operator study

AIM： To accurately differentiate the adenomatous from the non-adenomatous polyps by colonoscopy. METHODS： All lesions detected by colonoscopy were first diagnosed using the conventional view followed by chromoendoscopy with magnification. The diagnosis at each step was recorded consecutively. All polyps were completely removed endoscopically for histological evaluation. The accuracy rate of each type of endoscopic diagnosis was evaluated, using histological findings as gold standard. RESULTS： A total of 240 lesions were identified, of which 158 （65.8%） were non-neoplastic and 82 （34.2%） were adenomatous. The overall diagnostic accuracy of conventional view, and chromoendoscopy with magnification was 76.3% （183/240） and 95.4% （229/240）, respectively （P〈 0.001） CONCLUSION： The combination of colonoscopy and magnified chromoendoscopy is the most reliable nonbiopsy method for distinguishing the non-neoplastic from the neoplastic lesions.

Microvascular structural changes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pathology according to intrapapillary capillary loop types under magnifying endoscopy

BACKGROUND The intrapapillary capillary loop(IPCL)characteristics,visualized using magnifying endoscopy,are commonly assessed for preoperative evaluation of the infiltration depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Japan Esophageal Society(JES)classification is the most widely used classification.Microvascular structural changes are evaluated by magnifying endoscopy for the presence or absence of each morphological factor:tortuosity,dilatation,irregular caliber,and different shapes.However,the pathological characteristics of IPCLs have not been thoroughly investigated,especially the microvascular structures corresponding to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.AIM To investigate differences in pathological microvascular structures of ESCC,which correspond to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.METHODS Patients with ESCC and precancerous lesions diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and April 2023.Patients first underwent magnified endoscopic examination,followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment.Pathological images were scanned using a threedimensional slice scanner,and the pathological structural differences in different types,according to the JES classification,were analyzed using nonparametric tests and t-tests.RESULTS The 35 lesions were divided into four groups according to the JES classification:A,B1,B2,and B3.Statistical analyses revealed significant differences(aP<0.05)in the short and long calibers,area,location,and density between types A and B.Notably,there were no significant differences in these parameters between types B1 and B2 and between types B2 and B3(P>0.05).However,significant differences in the short calibers,long calibers,and area of IPCL were observed between types B1 and B3(aP<0.05);no significant differences were found in the density or location(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Pathological structures of IPCLs in the deepest infiltrating regions differ among various IPCL types classified by the JES classification under magnifying endoscopy,especially between the types A and B.

Evolving roles of magnifying endoscopy and endoscopic resection for neoplasia in inflammatory bowel diseases

Magnifying endoscopy is a useful technique to differentiate neoplasia from non-neoplastic lesions. Data regarding the clinical utility of magnifying endoscopy for neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) has been emerging.While Kudo’s pit pattern types Ⅲ-Ⅴ are findings suggestive of neoplasia in non-IBD patients, these pit patterns are predictive of IBD-associated neoplasia as well.However, active chronic inflammatory processes, particularly regenerative changes, can mimic neoplastic pit patterns and may affect a meticulous evaluation of pit pattern diagnosis in patients with IBD. The clinical evidence regarding the utility of magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging or endocytoscopy has also been evolving in regard to the diagnosis of IBD-associated neoplasia. These advanced endoscopic techniques are promising for multiple reasons;not only for making an accurate diagnosis of neoplasia, but also in determining if endoscopic resection is appropriate for such lesions in patients with IBD. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of magnifying endoscopy in assessing IBD-associated neoplasia and examine the feasibility and outcomes of endoscopic resection for these lesions.

Usefulness of magnifying endoscopy in post-endoscopic resection scar for early gastric neoplasm:A prospective short-term follow-up endoscopy study

AIM： To investigate the relationship between postendoscopic resection （ER） scars on magnifying endoscopy （ME） and the pathological diagnosis in order to validate the clinical significance of ME. METHODS： From January, 2007 to June, 2008, 124 patients with 129 post-ER scar lesions were enrolled. Mucosal pit patterns on ME were compared with conventional endoscopy （CE） findings and histological results obtained from targeted biopsies. RESULTS： CE findings showed nodular scars （53/129）, erythematous scars （85/129）, and ulcerative scars （4/129）. The post-ER scars were classified into four pit patterns of sulci and ridges on ME： （ Ⅰ ） 47 round; （Ⅱ） 54 short rod or tubular; （Ⅲ） 19 branched or gyrus-like;and （Ⅳ） 9 destroyed pits. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 62.5%, respectively, by the presence of nodularity on CE. Erythematous lesions were high sensitivity （100%）, but specificity was as low as 36.7%. The range of the positive predictive va ue （PPV） on CE was as low as 10.6%-25%. Nine type N pit patterns were diagnosed as tumor lesions, and 120 cases of type Ⅰ-Ⅲ pit patterns revealed non-neoplastic lesions. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, and the PPV of ME were 100%. CONCLUSION： ME findings can detect the presence of tumor in post-ER scar lesions, and make evident the biopsy target site in short-term follow-up. Further large-scale and long-term studies are needed to determine whether ME can replace endoscopic biopsy.

Role of second look endoscopy in endoscopic submucosal dissection and peptic ulcer bleeding:Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND Second-look endoscopy(SLE)to prevent recurrent bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease(PUD)and those undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is routinely being performed.Conflicting evidence exists regarding efficacy,risk,benefit,and cost-effectiveness.AIM To identify the role and effectiveness of SLE in ESD and PUD,associated rebleeding and PUD-related outcomes like mortality,hospital length of stay,need for endoscopic or surgical intervention and blood transfusions.METHODS A systematic review of literature databases PubMed,Cochrane,and Embase was conducted from inception to January 5,2023.Randomized controlled trials that compared patients with SLE to those who did not have SLE or evaluated the role of prophylactic hemostasis during SLE compared to other conservative interventions were included.The study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines,and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO(ID CRD42023427555:).RevMan was used to perform meta-analysis,and Mantel-Haenszel Odds ratio(OR)were generated using random effect models.RESULTS A total of twelve studies with 2687 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis,of which 1074 patients underwent SLE after ESD and 1613 patients underwent SLE after PUD-related bleeding.In ESD,the rates of rebleeding were 7%in the SLE group compared to 4.4%in the non-SLE group with OR 1.65,95%confidence intervals(CI)of 0.96 to 2.85;P=0.07,whereas it was 11%in the SLE group compared to 13%in the non-SLE group with OR 0.895%CI:0.50 to 1.29;P=0.36.The mean difference in the blood transfusion rates in the SLE and no SLE group in PUD was OR 0.01,95%CI:-0.22 to 0.25;P=0.91.In SLE vs non-SLE groups with PUD,the OR for Endoscopic intervention was 0.29,95%CI:0.08 to 1.00;P=0.05 while it was OR 2.03,95%CI:0.95 to 4.33;P=0.07,for surgical intervention.The mean difference in the hospital length of stay was-3.57 d between the SLE and no SLE groups in PUD with 95%CI:-7.84 to 0.69;P=0.10,denoting an average of approximately 3 fewer days of hospital stay among patients with PUD who underwent SLE.For mortality between SLE and non-SLE groups in PUD,the OR was 0.88,95%CI:0.45 to 1.72;P=0.70.CONCLUSION SLE does not confer any benefit in preventing ESD and PUD-associated rebleeding.SLE also does not provide any significant improvement in mortality,need for interventions,or blood transfusions in PUD patients.SLE decreases the hospital length of stay on average by 3.5 d in PUD patients.

Lobulated inflammatory myoglandular polyp in the ascending colon observed by magnifying endoscopy and treated with endoscopic polypectomy

The patient was a 33-year-old man with hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed a Iobulated peduncular polyp with bleeding, about 40 mm in diameter, in the ascending colon. The polyp had both red and white components and a mosaic pattern. Magnifying observation revealed a red rugged surface component, and smooth white nodules with enlarged round or oval crypt openings. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed. Histological examination of the specimen revealed inflammatory granulation tissue in the lamina propria, proliferation of smooth muscle, and hyperplastic glands with cystic change. This polyp was diagnosed as inflammatory myoglandular polyp （IMGP）. Lobulated-type IMGP in the ascending colon is rare.

In vivo pilot study into superficial microcirculatory characteristics of colorectal adenomas using novel high-resolution magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging

BACKGROUND No studies have yet been conducted on changes in microcirculatory hemody-namics of colorectal adenomas in vivo under endoscopy.The microcirculation of the colorectal adenoma could be observed in vivo by a novel high-resolution magnification endoscopy with blue laser imaging(BLI),thus providing a new insight into the microcirculation of early colon tumors.AIM To observe the superficial microcirculation of colorectal adenomas using the novel magnifying colonoscope with BLI and quantitatively analyzed the changes in hemodynamic parameters.METHODS From October 2019 to January 2020,11 patients were screened for colon adenomas with the novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI.Video images were recorded and processed with Adobe Premiere,Adobe Photoshop and Image-pro Plus software.Four microcirculation parameters:Microcirculation vessel density(MVD),mean vessel width(MVW)with width standard deviation(WSD),and blood flow velocity(BFV),were calculated for adenomas and the surrounding normal mucosa.RESULTS A total of 16 adenomas were identified.Compared with the normal surrounding mucosa,the superficial vessel density in the adenomas was decreased(MVD:0.95±0.18 vs 1.17±0.28μm/μm2,P<0.05).MVW(5.11±1.19 vs 4.16±0.76μm,P<0.05)and WSD(11.94±3.44 vs 9.04±3.74,P<0.05)were both increased.BFV slowed in the adenomas(709.74±213.28 vs 1256.51±383.31μm/s,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI can be used for in vivo study of adenoma superficial microcirculation.Superficial vessel density was decreased,more irregular,with slower blood flow.

Preoperative endoscopic diagnosis of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors, including magnifying endoscopy

Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor(SNADET) is defined as a sporadic tumor that is confined to the mucosa or submucosa that does not arise from Vater's papilla, and it includes adenoma a n d a d e n o c a r c i n o m a. R e c e n t d e v e l o p m e n t s i n endoscopic technology, such as high-resolution endoscopy and image-enhanced endoscopy, may increase the chances of detecting SNADET lesions. However, because SNADET is rare, little is known about its preoperative endoscopic diagnosis. The use of endoscopic resection for SNADET, which has no risk of metastasis, is increasing, but the incidence of complications, such as perforation, is significantly higher than in any other part of the digestive tract. A preoperative diagnosis is required to distinguish between lesions that should be followed up and those that require treatment. Retrospective studies have revealed certain endoscopic findings that suggest malignancy. In recent years, several new imaging modalities have been developed and explored for realtime diagnosis of these lesion types. Establishing an endoscopic diagnostic tool to differentiate between adenoma and adenocarcinoma in SNADET lesions is required to select the most appropriate treatment. This review describes the current state of knowledge about preoperative endoscopic diagnosis of SNADETs, such as duodenal adenoma and duodenal adenocarcinoma. Newer endoscopic techniques, including magnifying endoscopy, may help to guide these diagnostics, but their additional advantages remain unclear, and further studies are required to clarify these issues.

New magnifying endoscopic classification for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

To assess the accuracy of a new magnifying endoscopy (ME) classification for predicting depth of invasion of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). METHODSThis study included a total of 70 lesions in 69 patients with SESCC who underwent ME with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) before resection from August 2010 to July 2016. Accuracy of ME-NBI for predicting depth of invasion of SESCC was analyzed by using a new ME classification proposed by the Japan Esophageal Society (JES), and interobserver agreement was assessed. RESULTSOverall accuracy of ME-NBI for estimating depth of invasion of SESCC was 78.6%. Sensitivity and specificity of type B1 for tumors limited to the epithelial layer (m1) or invading into the lamina propria (m2) were 71.4% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of type B2 for tumors invading into the muscularis mucosa (m3) or superficial submucosa (≤ 200 μm, sm1) were 94.4% and 73.1%, respectively, while those of type B3 for tumors invading into the deep submucosa (> 200 μm, sm2) were 75.0% and 97.8%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was excellent (κ = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.76-0.95). CONCLUSIONThe recently developed JES ME classification is useful for predicting depth of invasion of SESCC, with reliable interobserver agreement.

Simplified criteria for diagnosing superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms using Narrow Band Imaging magnifying endoscopy

AIM To simplify the diagnostic criteria for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SESCC) on Narrow Band Imaging combined with magnifying endoscopy(NBI-ME).METHODS This study was based on the post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. We performed NBI-ME for 147 patients with present or a history of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, or esophagus between January 2009 and June 2011. Two expert endoscopistsdetected 89 lesions that were suspicious for SESCC lesions, which had been prospectively evaluated for the following 6 NBI-ME findings in real time: "intervascular background coloration"; "proliferation of intrapapillary capillary loops(IPCL)"; and "dilation", "tortuosity", "change in caliber", and "various shapes(VS)" of IPCLs(i.e., Inoue's tetrad criteria). The histologic examination of specimens was defined as the gold standard for diagnosis. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify candidates for the simplified criteria from among the 6 NBI-ME findings for diagnosing SESCCs. We evaluated diagnostic performance of the simplified criteria compared with that of Inoue's criteria.RESULTS Fifty-four lesions(65%) were histologically diagnosed as SESCCs and the others as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or inflammation. In the univariate analysis, proliferation, tortuosity, change in caliber, and VS were significantly associated with SESCC(P < 0.01). The combination of VS and proliferation was statistically extracted from the 6 NBI-ME findings by using the stepwise logistic regression model. We defined the combination of VS and proliferation as simplified dyad criteria for SESCC. The areas under the curve of the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria were 0.70 and 0.73, respectively. No significant difference was shown between them. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis for SESCC were 77.8%, 57.1%, 69.7% and 51.9%, 80.0%, 62.9% for the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria, respectively.CONCLUSION The combination of proliferation and VS may serve as simplified criteria for the diagnosis of SESCC using NBIME.

Two cases of adenocarcinoma occurring in sporadic fundic gland polyps observed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging

Gastric fundic gland polyps(FGPs) are common nonadenomatous gastric polyps arising from normal fundic mucosa without Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection. Although systemic FGPs associated with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP) often have dysplasia, there are few reports of dysplasia occurring in sporadic F G P s, e s p e c i a l l y w h e n d e t e c t e d b y m a g n i f y i n g endoscopy with narrow band imaging(ME-NBI). We experienced two cases of adenocarcinoma occurring in sporadic FGPs, and their ME-NBI findings were very useful for differentiating FGP with cancer from nondysplastic FGP. A 68-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were referred to our institution for medical checkup. H. pylori was negative in both patients. Endoscopic examination revealed a small reddishpolypoid lesion on the anterior wall of the upper gastric body and several FGPs. ME-NBI showed an irregular microvascular architecture composed of closed loop- or open loop-type vascular components, plus an irregular microsurface structure composed of oval-type surface components which was different from that of FGPs. FAP was denied because of the absence of colon polyps and no familial history of FAP. Pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma occurring in sporadic FGP.

Magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy is superior in diagnosis of early gastric cancer

AIM:To evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of white light endoscopy,magnifying endoscopy(ME),and magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy(ME-NBI) in detecting early gastric cancer(EGC).METHODS:From March 2010 to June 2012,a total of 3616 patients received screening for gastric cancer by magnifying endoscopy. There were 3675 focal gastric lesions detected using conventional high definition white light endoscopy(HD-WLE) in four different referentialhospitals that were recruited for further investigation using ME and ME-NBI. The images obtained from HD-WLE,ME,and ME-NBI were reviewed by four experienced endoscopists to evaluate their diagnostic effectiveness for EGC. The diagnosis of cancerous and non-cancerous lesions was conducted by evaluating the microvascular and microsurface patterns using the VS classification system. The final endoscopic diagnosis of each lesion was determined by consultation when a disagreement occurred. We used histopathological results as the gold standard for the diagnosis of EGC.RESULTS:Among the 3675 lesions found,1508 were validated by pathological findings as chronic gastritis,1279 as chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia,631 as low-grade neoplasia,and 257 as EGC. The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and accuracy of HD-WLE for the diagnosis of EGC were 71.2%,99.1%,85.5%,97.9% and 97.1%,respectively. The results of ME for diagnosing EGC were 81.3%,98.8%,83.3%,98.6% and 97.6%,respectively. The results of ME-NBI for the diagnosis of EGC were 87.2%,98.6%,82.1%,99.0% and 97.8%,respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of paired ME and ME-NBI were significantly better than those of HD-WLE(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:HD-WLE has a relatively high accuracy for diagnosing EGC and is an effective screening tool. Further investigations of ME and ME-NBI are required to achieve superior accuracy.

Clinical relevance of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging in decision-making regarding the treatment strategy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Recent advances in endoscopic technology,especially magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging(ME-NBI)enable us to detect superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),but determining the appropriate method of resection,endoscopic resection(ER)vs surgical resection,is often challenging.Recently,several studies have reported that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET)is a useful indicator for decision-making regarding treatment for superficial ESCC.Although,there are not enough reports on association between FDG-PET uptake and clinicopathological characteristics of superficial ESCC.And,there are not enough reports on evaluating the usefulness of combination of FDG-PET and ME-NBI for determining the treatment strategy for superficial ESCC.This study evaluated clinical relevance of FDG-PET and ME-NBI in decision-making regarding the treatment strategy for ESCC.AIM To investigate the association between FDG uptake and the clinicopathological characteristics of superficial ESCC and its usefulness of combination of FDG-PET and ME-NBI for determining the treatment strategy for superficial ESCC.METHODS A database of all patients with superficial ESCC who had undergone both MENBI and FDG-PET for pre-treatment staging at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital between January 2008 and November 2018 was retrospectively analyzed.FDG uptake was defined positive or negative whether the primary lesion was visualized or could be distinguished from the background,or not.The invasion depth of ESCC was classified according to the Japan Esophageal Society.Primary endpoint is to evaluate the association between FDG uptake and clinicopathological characteristics of superficial ESCC.Secondary endpoint is to investigate the efficacy of combination of FDG-PET and ME-NBI for determining the treatment strategy for superficial ESCC.RESULTS A total of 82 lesions in 82 patients were included.FDG-PET showed positive uptake in 29(35.4%)lesions.Univariate analysis showed that uptake of FDG-PET had significant correlations with circumferential extension(P=0.014),pathological depth of tumor invasion(P<0.001),infiltrative growth pattern(P<0.001),histological grade(P=0.002),vascular invasion(P=0.001),and lymphatic invasion(P<0.001).On multivariate analysis,only depth of tumor invasion was independently correlated with FDG-PET/computed tomography visibility(P=0.018).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV),and accuracy of Type B2 in ME-NBI for the invasion depth of T1a muscularis mucosae and T1b upper submucosal layer were 68.4%/79.4%/50.0%/89.3%/76.8%,respectively,and those of Type B3 for the depth of T1b middle and deeper submucosal layers(SM2 and SM3)were 46.7%/100%/100%/89.3%/90.2%,respectively.On the other hand,those of FDGPET for SM2 and SM3 were 93.3%/77.6%/48.2%/98.1%/80.5%,respectively,whereas,if the combination of positive FDG uptake and type B2 and B3 was defined as an indicator for radical esophagectomy or definitive chemoradiotherapy,the sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV,and accuracy were 78.3%/91.5%/78.3%/91.5%/87.8%,respectively.CONCLUSION FDG uptake was correlated with the invasion depth of superficial ESCC.Combined use of FDG-PET and ME-NBI,especially with the microvascular findings of Type B2 and B3,is useful to determine whether ER is indicated for the lesion.

Narrow-band imaging endoscopy with and without magnification in diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia

AIM:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of narrowband imaging(NBI) endoscopy with and without high magnification in distinguishing neoplasia from nonneoplasia colorectal lesions.METHODS:A total of 118 patients with 123 colorectal lesions examined by NBI endoscopy in the Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from September 2008 to April 2010 were enrolled in this study.These lesions were classified by pit pattern and capillary pattern,and then assessed by histopathology.RESULTS:Ten lesions not meeting the diagnostic criteria were excuded,the overall diagnostic accuracy of NBI endoscopy in distinguishing neoplasia from non-neoplasia colorectal lesions was 91.2%(103/113),and that of NBI endoscopy with and without high magnification was 93.0%(40/43) and 90.0%(63/70),respectively.Both were significantly higher than that of conventional colonoscopy reported in the literature(P < 0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Besides NBI magnifying endoscopy,NBI endoscopy without magnification may also be used to distinguish neoplasia from non-neoplasia colorectal lesions.

Magnifying endoscopy of gastric epithelial dysplasia based on the morphologic characteristics

AIM: To investigate the difference in magnifying endoscopic findings of gastric epithelial dysplasias (GEDs) according to the morphologic characteristics.

Clinical significance of white gastric crypt openings observed via magnifying endoscopy

AIM:To evaluate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-induced gastritis and white gastric mucosal crypt openings(COs)in the gastric corpus.METHODS:A total of 175 consecutive patients(including 69 patients with gastric cancer)were enrolled in this study.We used magnifying endoscopy(ME)to observe the mucosa microsurface of the lesser and greater curvature of the gastric corpus(350 areas in all).We focused on areas with a round pit microstructure(primarily observed in non-atrophied areas)and evaluated the white openings of these gastric pits.We classified the whiteness of the COs as the"white-edged dark spot"type(consisting of a dark spot bordered by white);the"white"type(pure white with no dark spot);and the"dense white pit(DWP)"type(dense white,resembling a snowball).Gastritis was also histologically evaluated according to the updated Sydney System.RESULTS:We detected round COs using ME in 246 of the 350 areas examined.The histological examination showed significantly more mononuclear cells and neutrophil infiltration in the"white"and"DWP"types than the"white-edged dark spot"type(P<0.001).Furthermore,significantly high-grade inflammation and evidence of active H.pylori-induced gastritis was observed in the"DWP"type(P<0.001).Significant differences were observed in the whiteness of COs between H.pylori-positive(n=139)and negative(n=36)patients(P<0.001).The sensitivity and specificity of the"white"and"DWP"types for predicting H.pylori infection were78.5%and 81.7%,respectively.Of the patients with gastric cancer,22.5%(18/80)had"white-edged dark spots",51.3%(41/80)had"white"COs,and 26.3%(21/80)had"DWP"-type COs."DWPs"were frequently observed among patients with undifferentiated gastric cancer[45.7%(16/35)].CONCLUSION:CO whiteness detected via ME was associated with histological evidence of gastritis and helps to predict the severity of inflammation and H.pyloriinduced activity.

Narrow-band imaging with magnifying endoscopy for the evaluation of gastrointestinal lesions

Narrow band imaging(NBI) endoscopy is an optical image enhancing technology that allows a detailed inspection of vascular and mucosal patterns, providing the ability to predict histology during real-time endoscopy. By combining NBI with magnification endoscopy(NBI-ME), the accurate assessment of lesions in the gastrointestinal tract can be achieved, as well as the early detection of neoplasia by emphasizing neovascularization. Promising results of the method in the diagnosis of premalignant and malignant lesions of gastrointestinal tract have been reported in clinical studies. The usefulness of NBI-ME as an adjunct to endoscopic therapy in clinical practice, the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, surveillance strategies and cost-saving strategies based on this method are summarized in this review. Various classification systems of mucosal and vascular patterns used to differentiate preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions have been reviewed. We concluded that the clinical applicability of NBI-ME has increased, but standardization of endoscopic criteria and classification systems, validation in randomized multicenter trials and training programs to improve the diagnostic performance are all needed before the widespread acceptance of the method in routine practice. However, published data regarding the usefulness of NBI endoscopy are relevant in order to recommend the method as a reliable tool in diagnostic and therapy, even for less experienced endoscopists.

A case of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in which magnified endoscopy with narrow band imaging was useful in the diagnosis

Recently, we reported a case of gastric mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma presenting with unique vascular features. In the report, we defined the tree-like appearance (TLA) on the images of abnormal blood vessels which resembled branches from the trunk of a tree in the shiny mucosa, in which the glandular structure was lost. The 67-year-old female was diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma. The patient received eradication therapy for H. pylori. Conventional endoscopy revealed multiple ill-delineated brownish depressions in the stomach and cobblestonelike mucosa was observed at the greater curvature to the posterior wall of the upper gastric body 7 mo after successful eradication. Unsuccessful treatment of gastric MALT lymphoma was suspected on conventional endoscopy. Conventional endoscopic observations found focal depressions and cobblestone-like appearance, and these lesions were subsequently observed using magnified endoscopy combined with narrow band imaging to identify abnormal vessels presenting with a TLA within the lesions. Ten biopsies were taken from the area where abnormal vessels were present within these lesions. Ten biopsies were also taken from the lesions without abnormal vessels as a control. A total of 20 biopsy samples were evaluated to determine whether the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma could be obtained histologically from each sample. A positive diagnosis was obtained in 8/10 TLA (+) sites and in 2/10 TLA(-) sites. Target biopsies of the site with abnormal blood vessels can potentially improve diagnostic accuracy of gastric MALT lymphoma.

Investigation of relationships among gastroesophageal reflux disease subtypes using narrow band imaging magnifying endoscopy

AIM:To investigate the relationships among subtypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)using narrow band imaging(NBI)magnifying endoscopy.METHODS:A reflux disease questionnaire was used to screen 120 patients representing the three subtypes of GERD(n=40 for each subtypes):nonerosive reflux disease(NERD),reflux esophagitis(RE)and Barrett’s esophagus(BE).NBI magnifying endoscopic procedure was performed on the patients as well as on 40 healthy controls.The demographic and clinical characteristics,and NBI magnifying endoscopic features,were recorded and compared among the groups.Targeted biopsy and histopathological examination were conducted if there were any abnormalities.SPSS 18.0 software was used for all statistical analysis.RESULTS:Compared with healthy controls,a significantly higher proportion of GERD patients had increased number of intrapapillary capillary loops(IPCLs)(78.3%vs 20%,P<0.05),presence of microerosions(41.7%vs 0%,P<0.05),and a non-round pit pattern below the squamocolumnar junction(88.3%vs 30%,P<0.05).The maximum(228±4.8 vs 144±4.7,P<0.05),minimum(171±3.8 vs 103±4.4,P<0.05),and average(199±3.9 vs 119±3.9,P<0.05)numbers of IPCLs/field were also significantly greater in GERD patients.However,comparison among groups of the three subtypes showed no significant differences or any linear trend,except that microerosions were present in 60%of the RE patients,but in only 35%and 30%of the NERD and BE patients,respectively(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Patients with GERD,irrespective of subtype,have similar micro changes in the distal esophagus.The three forms of the disease are probably independent of each other.