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.

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.

Brown slits for colorectal adenoma crypts on conventional magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging using the X1 system

BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis of colorectal premalignant polyps,including adenomas,is vital in clinical practice.AIM To investigate the diagnostic yields of novel findings of brown slits for adenomas.METHODS Patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic were enrolled.Polyps sized≥5 mm suspected of adenomas or clinically significant serrated polyps were included in the study.We defined the surface structures of colorectal polyps,which were brown curves inside and along the tubular glands identified using a combination of a new X1 system(Olympus Corporation)and a conventional magnifying colonoscope with non-staining narrow band imaging(NBI),as brown slits.The brown slits corresponded to slit-like lumens on endocytoscopy and histological crypt openings of an adenoma.We evaluated the diagnostic performance of brown slits for adenoma.RESULTS A total of 108 Lesions from 62 patients were eligible.The average age was 60.4 years and 41.9%were male.The mean polyp size was 7.45±2.83 mm.Fifty-seven lesions were positive for brown slits.Histopathological diagnosis comprised 59 low-grade tubular adenomas,16 sessile serrated lesions,and 33 hyperplastic polyps.Among 59 adenomas,56(94.9%)were positive for brown slits.Among 16 sessile serrated lesions,0(0%)was positive for brown slits.Among 33 hyperplastic polyps,1(3.0%)was positive for brown slits.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of brown slits for adenoma were 94.9%,98.0%,and 96.3%,respectively.The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of brown slits for adenoma were also excellent for 98.2%,and 94.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION Brown slits on conventional magnifying endoscopy with non-staining NBI using the X1 system were useful for diagnosing colorectal adenoma.The new endoscopy system could be examined using new standards.

Usefulness of magnifying endoscopy for iodine-unstained lesions in a high-risk esophageal cancer population

AIM: To investigate the usefulness of magnified observations of iodine-unstained esophageal lesions in the histological diagnosis of esophageal mucosa abnormalities, in high-risk esophageal cancer groups. METHODS: The subjects included 38 patients who had at least one of the four criteria known to be highrisk factors for esophageal cancer. Following endoscopic observation, magnified observations were performed on iodine-unstained lesions of the esophagus. The total number of lesions was 43. These lesions were classified as type A (clear papilla), type B (fused papilla), and type C (non-visible papilla) according to the findings. Tissue biopsy was then carried out. Finally the histological findings were graded in terms of histological factors, and their relationships were compared. RESULTS: Of the 43 lesions, 11 were type A, 17 were type B, and 15 were type C under magnifying endoscopy. Histological findings such as inflammatory cell infiltration and basal cell hyperplasia were significantly increased in type B and type C lesions compared with type A lesions (P < 0.05). Low-grade esophageal dysplasia was apparent in 1 (9%) of 11 type A lesions, in 3 (18%) of 17 type B lesions, and in 6 (40%) of 15 type C lesions, with the highest rate in type C. CONCLUSION: Magnified observations of the esophagus, classified by papillary aspects using magnifying endoscopy of iodine-unstained lesions in high-risk esophageal cancer groups, are considered useful in estimating dysplasia and inflammation of esophageal mucosa.

Comparison of white-light endoscopy,optical-enhanced and aceticacid magnifying endoscopy for detecting gastric intestinal metaplasia:A randomized trial

BACKGROUND Gastric intestinal metaplasia(GIM)is a precancerous lesion of the stomach,which severely affects human life and health.Currently,a variety of endoscopic techniques are used to screen/evaluate GIM.Traditional white-light endoscopy(WLE)and acetic-acid chromoendoscopy combined with magnifying endoscopy(MEAAC)are the interventions of choice due to their diagnostic efficacy for GIM.Optical-enhanced magnifying endoscopy(ME-OE)is a new virtual chromoendoscopy technique to identify GIM,which combines bandwidth-limited light and image enhancement processing technology to enhance the detection of mucosal and vascular details.We hypothesized that ME-OE is superior to WLE and MEAAC in the evaluation of GIM.AIM To directly compare the diagnostic value of WLE,ME-AAC,and ME-OE for detection of GIM.METHODS A total of 156 patients were subjected to consecutive upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examinations using WLE,ME-AAC,and ME-OE.Histopathological findings were utilized as the reference standard.Accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,and positive and negative predictive values of the three endoscopy methods in the diagnosis of GIM were evaluated.Moreover,the time to diagnosis with MEAAC and ME-OE was analyzed.Two experts and two non-experts evaluated the GIM images diagnosed using ME-OE,and diagnostic accuracy and intra-and inter-observer agreement were analyzed.RESULTS GIM was detected in 68 of 156 patients(43.6%).The accuracy of ME-OE was highest(91.7%),followed by ME-AAC(86.5%),while that of WLE(51.9%)was lowest.Per-site analysis showed that the overall diagnostic accuracy of ME-OE was higher than that of ME-AAC(P=0.011)and WLE(P<0.001).The average diagnosis time was lower in ME-OE than in ME-AAC(64±7 s vs 151±30 s,P<0.001).Finally,the inter-observer agreement was strong for both experts(k=0.862)and non-experts(k=0.800).The internal consistency was strong for experts(k=0.713,k=0.724)and moderate for non-experts(k=0.667,k=0.598).CONCLUSION For endoscopists,especially experienced endoscopists,ME-OE is an efficient,convenient,and time-saving endoscopic technique that should be used for the diagnosis of GIM.

Could near focus endoscopy,narrow-band imaging,and acetic acid improve the visualization of microscopic features of stomach mucosa?

BACKGROUND Conventional magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging(NBI)observation of the gastric body mucosa shows dominant patterns in relation to the regular arrangement of collecting venules,subepithelial capillary network,and gastric pits.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-dual(near)focus,NBI mode in the assessment of the microscopic features of gastric body mucosa compared to conventional magnification.METHODS During 2021 and 2022,68 patients underwent proximal gastrointestinal endoscopy using magnification endoscopic modalities subsequently applying acetic acid(AA).The GIF-190HQ series NBI system with dual focus capability was used for the investigation of gastric mucosa.At the time of the endoscopy,the gastric body mucosa of all enrolled patients was photographed using the white light endoscopy(WLE),near focus(NF),NF-NBI,AA-NF,and AA-NF-NBI modes.RESULTS The WLE,NF and NF-NBI endoscopic modes for all patients(204 images)were classified in the same order into three groups.Two images from each patient for the AA-NF and AA-NF-NBI endoscopic modes were classified in the same order.According to all three observers who completed the work independently,NF magnification was significantly superior to WLE(P<0.01),and the NF-NBI mode was significantly superior to NF magnification(P<0.01).After applying AA,the three observers confirmed that AA-NF-NBI was significantly superior to AA-NF(P<0.01).Interobserver kappa values for WLE were 0.609,0.704,and 0.598,respectively and were 0.600,0.721,and 0.637,respectively,for NF magnification.For the NF-NBI mode,the values were 0.378,0.471,and 0.553,respectively.For AA-NF,they were 0.453,0.603,and 0.480,respectively,and for AA-NF-NBI,they were 0.643,0.506,and 0.354,respectively.CONCLUSION When investigating gastric mucosa in microscopic detail,NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for assessing regular arrangement of collecting venules,subepithelial capillary network,and gastric pits among the five endoscopic modalities investigated in this study.AA-NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for analyzing crypt opening and intervening part.

Value of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging in diagnosis of 124 early gastric neoplastic lesions

Objective To investigate the value of intervening part(IP)ratio under magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging(ME-NBI)in the diagnosis of early gastric neoplastic lesions.Methods From September 2012 to May 2015,a total of 124 patients with suspected superficial gastric neoplastic lesions under white light endoscope(WLI)were enrolled,87 male with mean age of(63.

Association between white opaque substance under magnifying colonoscopy and lipid droplets in colorectal epithelial neoplasms

AIM To examine the association between white opaque substance(WOS) and histologically verified lipiddroplets in colorectal epithelial neoplasms.METHODS We reviewed colonoscopy records at our institution from 2014 to 2016 and identified cases of endoscopically or surgically resected colorectal epithelial neoplasms observed by magnifying narrow-band imaging(M-NBI) colonoscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to stain tumors with a monoclonal antibody specific to adipophilin as a marker of lipids. The expression and distribution of adipophilin were compared between WOS-positive and WOS-negative lesions and among tumors classified by histologic type and depth of invasion.RESULTS Under M-NBI colonoscopy, 81 lesions were positive for WOS and 48 lesions were negative for WOS. The rate of adipophilin expression was significantly higher in WOS-positive lesions(95.1%) than in WOS-negative lesions(68.7%)(P = 0.0001). The incidence of deep adipophilin expression was higher in WOS-positive lesions(24.7%) than in WOS-negative lesions(4.2%)(P = 0.001). The incidence of deep expression was predominant among cancers with massive submucosal invasion(62.5%) compared to adenoma(7.2%) and high-grade dysplasia or cancers with slight submucosal invasion(12.7%)(P = 0.0001).CONCLUSION The distribution of lipid droplets may be closely associated with the visibility of WOS under M-NBI colonoscopy, and with histologic grade and depth of tumor invasion.

Update on diagnosis and treatment of early signet-ring cell gastric carcinoma: A literature review

Gastric signet-ring cell gastric carcinoma(GSRC)is an unfavorable subtype of gastric cancer(GC)that presents with greater invasiveness and poorer prognosis in advanced stage than other types of GC.However,GSRC in early stage is often considered an indicator of less lymph node metastasis and more satisfying clinical outcome compared to poorly differentiated GC.Therefore,the detection and diagnosis of GSRC at early stage undoubtedly play a crucial role in the management of GSRC patients.In recent years,technological advancement in endoscopy including narrow-band imaging and magnifying endoscopy has significantly improved the accuracy and sensitivity of the diagnosis under endoscopy for GSRC patients.Researches have confirmed that early stage GSRC that meets the expanded criteria of endoscopic resection showed comparable outcomes to surgery after receiving endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),indicating that ESD could be considered standard treatment for GSRC after thorough selection and evaluation.This article summarizes the current knowledge and updates pertaining to the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of early stage signet-ring cell gastric carcinoma.

Study of preoperative diagnostic modalities in Chinese patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)and magnifying endoscopy(ME)reliably determine indications for endoscopic resection in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SESCC).ME is widely accepted for predicting the invasion depth of superficial esophageal cancer with satisfying accuracy.However,the addition of EUS is controversial.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of ME vs EUS for invasion depth prediction and investigate the influencing factors in patients with SESCC to determine the best diagnostic model in China.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients with suspected SESCC who completed both ME and EUS and then underwent endoscopic or surgical resection at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center between January 2018 and December 2021.We evaluated and compared the diagnostic efficiency of EUS and ME according to histological results,and investigated the influencing factors.RESULTS We included 152 lesions from 144 patients in this study.The diagnostic accuracies of ME and EUS in differentiating invasion depth were not significantly different(73.0%and 66.4%,P=0.24);both demonstrated moderate consistency with the pathological results(ME:kappa=0.58,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.48-0.68,P<0.01;EUS:kappa=0.46,95%CI:0.34-0.57,P<0.01).ME was significantly more accurate in the diagnosis of high-grade intraepithelial(HGIN)or carcinoma in situ(odds ratio[OR]=3.62,95%CI:1.43-9.16,P=0.007)subgroups.Using a miniature probe rather than conventional EUS can improve the accuracy of lesion depth determination(82.3%vs 49.3%,P<0.01).Less than a quarter of circumferential occupation and application of a miniature probe were independent risk factors for the accuracy of tumor invasion depth as assessed by EUS(<1/4 circumferential occupation:OR=3.07,95%CI:1.04-9.10;application of a miniature probe:OR=5.28,95%CI:2.41-11.59,P<0.01).Of the 41 lesions(41/152,27.0%)that were misdiagnosed by ME,24 were corrected by EUS(24/41,58.5%).CONCLUSION Preoperative diagnosis of SESCC should be conducted endoscopically using white light and magnification.In China,EUS can be added after obtaining patient consent.Use of a highfrequency miniature probe or miniature probe combined with conventional EUS is preferable.

Diffuse xanthoma in early esophageal cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal xanthomas are asymptomatic and infrequent non-neoplastic lesions that commonly occur in the stomach with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and rarely in the esophagus.To date,there have been no reports of esophageal xanthoma combined with esophageal cancer.Herein,we present the first case in the literature of a diffuse xanthoma complicated with early esophageal cancer.Moreover,this combination makes the endoscopic diagnosis difficult if it is not in mind.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man visited our department with a 2-mo history of epigastric discomfort.He underwent surgery for gastric cancer 6 years ago.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a semi-circumferential irregular yellowish-colored and granular lesion in the esophagus(30-35 cm from the incisors).Using magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging,aggregated minute and yellowish-colored spots with tortuous microvessels on the surface were observed,and background coloration was clearly seen in the lesion.As endoscopic biopsy suggested a histologically high-grade dysplasia;the lesion was completely resected en bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).The resected specimen was confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma in situ with extensive foamy cells in the superficial mucosal layer.Immunohistochemically,the observed foamy cells were strongly positive for CD68,which is characteristic of xanthoma.The clinical course was favorable,and no recurrence was observed 2 years and 7 mo after ESD.CONCLUSIONDiffuse xanthoma concurrent with early esophageal cancer is extremely rare.The characteristic endoscopic features may assist endoscopists in diagnosing similar lesions.