Diagnosis of depressed‐type early gastric cancer using small‐caliber endoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement

Background and Aim: Small‐caliber endoscopy has lower resolution than normal‐caliber endoscopy, limiting its use in routine outpatient practice. Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) strengthens the color contrast of depressed‐type early gastric cancer without magnification. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the detection of depressed‐type early gastric cancer using small‐caliber endoscopy with the FICE system. Methods: Eighty‐two patients diagnosed with depressed‐type early gastric cancer by standard endoscopy and biopsy were evaluated by small‐caliber endoscopy. FICE images and conventional images were compared. Color differences in all 82 lesions were measured between malignant lesions and the surrounding mucosa using the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) 1976 color space. Results: Most cancers were readily detected as reddish lesions on FICE images. Lines of demarcation between the malignant lesion and the surrounding mucosa were easily identified with FICE images, as such cancers could be clearly distinguished from the surrounding atrophic mucosa. Greater median color differences between malignant lesions and the surrounding mucosa were present in FICE images compared with conventional images, resulting in images with better contrast (27.2 vs 18.7, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Small‐caliber endoscopy with the FICE system provides better color contrast of depressed‐type early gastric cancers than conventional small‐caliber endoscopy, and the FICE system may facilitate the diagnosis of this type of cancer as a new endoscopic modality.     

Efficacy of computed image modification of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To investigate whether flexible spectral color enhancement(FICE) improves diagnostic yields of capsule endoscopy(CE) for obscure gastro-intestinal bleeding(OGIB).METHODS:The study subjects consisted of 81 patients.Using FICE,there were three different sets with different wavelengths.Using randomly selected sets of FICE,images of CE were evaluated again by two individuals who were not shown the conventional CE reports and findings.The difference between FICE and conventional imaging was examined.RESULTS:The overall diagnostic yields in FICE sets 1,2,3 and conventional imaging(48.1%) were 51.9%,40.7%,51.9% and 48.1%,respectively,which showed no statistical difference compared to conventional imaging.The total numbers of detected lesions per examination in FICE imaging and conventional imaging were 2.5 ± 2.1 and 1.8 ± 1.7,respectively,which showed a significant difference(P = 0.01).CONCLUSION:The diagnostic yield for OGIB is not improved by FICE.However,FICE can detect significantly more small bowel lesions compared to conventional imaging.     

Diagnosis of extent of early gastric cancer using flexible spectral imaging color enhancement

The demarcation line between the cancerous lesion and the surrounding area could be easily recognized with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) system compared with conventional white light images. The characteristic f inding of depressed-type early gastric cancer (EGC) in most cases was revealed as reddish lesions distinct from the surrounding yellowish non-cancerous area without magnification. Conventional endoscopic images provide little information regarding depressed lesions located in the tangential line, but FICE produces higher color contrast of such cancers. Histological f indings in depressed area with reddish col- or changes show a high density of glandular structure and an apparently irregular microvessel in intervening parts between crypts, resulting in the higher color con- trast of FICE image between cancer and surrounding area. Some depressed cancers are shown as whitish lesion by conventional endoscopy. FICE also can pro- duce higher color contrast between whitish cancerous lesions and surrounding atrophic mucosa. For nearly flat cancer, FICE can produce an irregular structuralpattern of cancer distinct from that of the surrounding mucosa, leading to a clear demarcation. Most elevated-type EGCs are detected easily as yellowish lesions with clearly contrasting demarcation. In some cases, a partially reddish change is accompanied on the tumor surface similar to depressed type cancer. In addition, the FICE system is quite useful for the detection of minute gastric cancer, even without magnif ication. These new contrasting images with the FICE system may have the potential to increase the rate of detection of gastric cancers and screen for them more effectively as well as to determine the extent of EGC.     

Role of digital chromoendoscopy in detecting minimal change esophageal reflux disease

Endoscopy is a widely used diagnostic tool to detect reflux esophagitis. Although its specificity was reported to be excellent at 90%-95%, its sensitivity was only 50%. Therefore, it is quite difficult to detect these lesions under the standard white light endoscopy especially in patients with minimal change esophageal reflux disease (MERD). In recent years, endoscopic technologies have evolved tremendously; these include high resolution and magnification digital chromoendoscopy. These technologies are useful practically for detecting various subtle lesions along the gastrointestinal tract starting from esophagus to colon. Currently, these technologies can be classified in 2 systems; pre-processed system (NBI, Olympus) and post processed system (FICE and i-SCAN, Fujinon and Pentax respectively). Over a few years, there have been many emerging publications on the benefit of these systems on MERD detection. The overall sensitivities to diagnose MERD were reported as much better than controls. However, large, multi-center and randomized controlled studies comparing these new imaging modalities with the conventional white light chromoendoscopy are warranted to validate its accuracy. Standard, simple and precise endoscopic reading criteria for the identification of MERD are also required.     

The endoscopic diagnosis of nonerosive reflux disease using flexible spectral imaging color enhancement image: a feasibility trial

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is classified into grade M (minimal change, endoscopically; erythema without sharp demarcation, whitish turbidity, and/or invisibility of vessels due to these findings) and grade N (normal) in the modified Los Angeles classification system in Japan. However, the classification of grades M and N NERD is not included in the original Los Angeles system because interobserver agreement for the conventional endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD is poor. Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is a virtual chromoendoscopy technique that enhances mucosal and vascular visibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD using FICE images is feasible. Between April 2006 and May 2008, 26 NERD patients and 31 controls were enrolled in the present study. First, an experienced endoscopist assessed the color pattern of minimal change in FICE images using conventional endoscopic images and FICE images side‐by‐side and comparing the proportion of minimal change between the two groups. Second, three blinded endoscopists assessed the presence or absence of minimal change in both groups using conventional endoscopic images and FICE images separately. Intraobserver variability was compared using McNemar's test, and interobserver agreement was described using the kappa value. Minimal changes, such as erythema and whitish turbidity, which were detected using conventional endoscopic images, showed up as navy blue and pink‐white, respectively, in color using FICE images in the present FICE mode. The NERD group had a higher proportion of minimal change, compared with the control group (77% and 48%, respectively) (P= 0.033). In all three readers, the detection rates of minimal change using FICE images were greater than those using conventional endoscopic images (P= 0.025, <0.0001, and 0.034 for readers A, B, and C, respectively). The kappa values for all pairs of three readers using FICE images were between 0.683 and 0.812, while those using conventional endoscopic images were between 0.364 and 0.624. Thus, the endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD using FICE images is feasible and may improve interobserver agreement.     

Computed virtual chromoendoscopy for classification of small colorectal lesions: a prospective comparative study

OBJECTIVES: Standard colonoscopy offers no reliable discrimination between neoplastic and nonneoplastic colorectal lesions. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy with the Fujinon intelligent color enhancement (FICE) system is a new dyeless imaging technique that enhances mucosal and vascular patterns. This prospective trial compared the feasibility of FICE, standard colonoscopy, and conventional chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine in low- and high-magnification modes for determination of colonic lesion histology. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with 150 flat or sessile lesions less than 20 mm in diameter were enrolled. At colonoscopy, each lesion was observed with six different endoscopic modalities: standard colonoscopy, FICE, and conventional chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine (0.2%) dye spraying in both low- and high-magnification modes. Histopathology of all lesions was confirmed by evaluation of endoscopic resection or biopsy specimens. Endoscopic images were stored electronically and randomly allocated to a blinded reader. RESULTS: Of the 150 polyps, 89 were adenomas and 61 were hyperplastic polyps with an average size of 7 mm. For identifying adenomas, the FICE system with low and high magnifications revealed a sensitivity of 89.9% and 96.6%, specificity of 73.8% and 80.3%, and diagnostic accuracy of 83% and 90%, respectively. Compared with standard colonoscopy, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy achieved by FICE were significantly better under both low (P < 0.02) and high (P < 0.03) magnification and were comparable to that of conventional chromoendoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The FICE system identified morphological details that efficiently predict adenomatous histology. For distinguishing neoplastic from nonneoplastic lesions, FICE was superior to standard colonoscopy and equivalent to conventional chromoendoscopy.     

Efficacy of magnifying endoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement in the diagnosis of colorectal tumors

Background

Magnifying endoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is an image-enhanced endoscopy that captures the surface and vascular patterns of colorectal tumors. We evaluated and compared FICE magnification to narrow-band imaging (NBI) magnification.

Methods

Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement or NBI magnification was performed to the visualize surface and vascular patterns of colorectal tumors, classified into 4 types: Type A, Type B, Type C1/C2, and Type C3, as previously reported. A total of 235 colorectal tumors were examined. The correlations between classifications found by FICE or NBI magnification and histopathological diagnoses were examined. Image evaluation was validated by assessing inter-observer and intra-observer agreements on examinations.

Results

Twenty-eight hyperplastic polyps (HPs), 115 tubular adenomas (TAs), 72 mucosal and slightly invaded submucosal cancers (M-sSM), and 20 massively invaded submucosal cancers (mSM) were diagnosed. By FICE magnification, HP and TA were observed in 93.3 and 6.7% of Type A (15 lesions), respectively. TA, M-sSM, and HP were observed in 82.6, 15.4, and 2.0% of Type B (52 lesions), respectively. M-sSM, TA, and mSM were observed in 50.0, 46.0, and 4.0% of Type C1/2 (50 lesions), respectively. mSMs were observed in all 7 Type C3 lesions. In diagnosing mSM in Type C3, the sensitivity and specificity of FICE magnification were 77.7 and 100%, respectively, compared to those of NBI, at 63.6 and 99.0%, respectively. Imaging evaluation was validated accurately by intra- and intra-observer measurements showing consistent results.

Conclusions

The classification of colorectal tumors by FICE magnification correlated well with the histopathological diagnoses, similar to findings for NBI magnification. FICE magnification can be evaluated accurately with the same diagnostic classifications as those used for NBI magnification.     

内镜超声检查在上消化道黏膜下肿瘤微创治疗中的价值研究

目的评价超声内镜检查对上消化道黏膜下肿瘤的诊断价值及指导内镜下微创治疗黏膜下肿瘤的疗效及安全性。方法经超声内镜诊断上消化道黏膜下肿瘤82例,根据黏膜下肿瘤的起源层次、大小及性质分别选择不同的内镜治疗方案,内镜治疗包括高频电凝电切术、内镜下黏膜切除术、皮圈套扎术等。标本行常规病理学及免疫组化检查。术后定期内镜随访。结果26例超声判断起源于黏膜肌层的上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行高频电凝电切术;17例起源于黏膜肌层的平坦型上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行内镜下黏膜切除术;38例起源于固有肌层和1例起源于黏膜肌层的上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行皮圈套扎术。内镜超声诊断与术后病理符合率为91．4％。术后1例出血,其余无严重并发症发生。79例术后随访3—24个月无复发。结论超声内镜能够对消化道黏膜下肿瘤进行起源和定性诊断,超声内镜为内镜微创治疗选择消化道黏膜下肿瘤适应证具有良好的指导作用,内镜治疗是消化道黏膜下肿瘤治疗的安全、有效的手段。     

MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF NON‐EROSIVE REFLUX DISEASE

Magnifying endoscopies have been remarkably developed to visualize the microstructure of gastrointestinal surface mucosa and mucosal vascularity. Close examination is necessary not only for colorectal tumors but also for upper gastrointestinal disease. Magnifying endoscopic observations for a change of capillary vessels in the esophageal epithelium was helpful to diagnose the invasive depth of squamous cell carcinoma. Magnifying endoscopic observations using narrow‐band imaging of capillary vessels in esophageal epithelium is useful for the diagnosis of non‐erosive reflux disease, which cannot be visualized by conventional endoscopy.     

Technology insight: Laser-scanning confocal microscopy and endocytoscopy for cellular observation of the gastrointestinal tract

Recent advances in endoscopic imaging technology have enabled the visualization of early-stage cancer and its precursors in the gastrointestinal tract. Chromoendoscopy, magnifying endoscopy, endoscopic optical coherent tomography, spectroscopy, and various combinations of these technologies, are all important for the recognition of small and unclear lesions. To observe cancer cells in vivo, two types of ultra-high magnifying endoscope--'laser-scanning confocal endoscopy series' and 'contact endoscopy series'--that have a maximum of more than 1,000x magnifying power have been developed. These endoscopes can generate high-quality images of both living cancer cells and normal cells in the gastrointestinal tract, with a quality comparable to that possible with conventional cytology. These novel imaging technologies may make in vivo histological diagnosis by virtual histology possible.     

Computed virtual chromoendoscopy system (FICE): A new tool for upper endoscopy?

OBJECTIVES: A newly developed computed virtual chromoendoscopy system, Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) technology, decomposes images by wavelength, then directly produces reconstructed images with enhanced mucosal surface contrast. The aims of the present study were to determine the quality of information provided by computed virtual chromoendoscopy for detecting gastrointestinal polyps and to identify the best channel setting for imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one upper endoscopy procedures were performed in 31 patients using Fujinon 1.3-million-pixel endoscopes with zoom. A polyp was diagnosed in 45% of the patients. Six experienced endoscopists, who had never used the computed virtual chromoendoscopy system before, analysed the 31 endoscopy reports. Each endoscopy report included 11 images (one conventional image and one image for each FICE channel). The endoscopists used a 10-cm analog visual scale to determine the three best FICE channels, and to evaluate the quality and pit pattern of the chromoendoscopy images. RESULTS: Channel 4 (red: 520; green: 500; blue: 405) was considered the best channel in 39.7% of the reports (p<0.0001) and was among the best three in 77%. For 94.1% of the reports, the best FICE channel image was considered superior to the conventional image (p<0.0001). Median pit pattern score was 9.43 for computed virtual chromoendoscopy and 7.08 for conventional endoscopy (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) channel 4 images were significantly better than conventional images. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy enabled better analysis of the pit pattern and the normal-pathological mucosal junction. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy can be used to identify gastroduodenal polyps and to assist in complete polypectomy.     

Recent Advances in Light-Induced Fluorescence Endoscopy (LIFE) of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer continues to be a significant malignant disease. It is well recognized that early detection of dysplastic changes prior to invasive growth may have a pronounced effect on the clinical efficacy of treatment and subsequent patient survival. Standard white-light endoscopic visualization of such early lesions is often difficult and many premalignant lesions remain undetected during routine screening procedures. Additionally, dysplastic lesions are usually not distinguished against surrounding normal tissue, and visible non-adenomatous lesions such as hyperplastic polyps are often indistinguishable from adenomatous polyps. However, recent developments in endoscopic technology have led to the development of more sensitive endoscopic screening methods. Fluorescence-based endoscopic imaging or spectroscopy of the gastrointestinal tract may offer a novel and alternative means of detecting and identifying premalignant and malignant lesions otherwise occult to conventional white-light endoscopy. The purpose of this review is to present a general overview of the current developments and possible clinical roles of light-induced fluorescence endoscopy (LIFE) as an adjunct to conventional diagnostic endoscopy for screening and surveillance for premaligant and malignant gastrointestinal lesions. (Dig Endosc 1999; 11: 108–118)     

Current updates and future directions in diagnosis and management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogenous group of rare neoplasms that are increasingly being discovered, often incidentally, throughout the gastrointestinal tract with varying degrees of activity and malignant potential. Confusing nomenclature has added to the complexity of managing these lesions. The term carcinoid tumor and embryonic classification have been replaced with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm, which includes gastrointestinal neuroendocrine and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is important for clinicians to diagnose, stage and manage these lesions. While histological diagnosis is the gold standard, recent advancements in endoscopy, conventional imaging, functional imaging, and serum biomarkers complement histology for tailoring specific treatment options. In light of developing technology, our review sets out to characterize diagnostic and therapeutic advancements for managing gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, including innovations in radiolabeled peptide imaging, circulating biomarkers, and endoscopic treatment approaches adapted to different locations throughout the gastrointestinal system.     

Value of endoscopic ultrasonography for upper gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the rarely seen tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to review the patients diagnosed as upper gastrointestinal stromal tumor by endoscopic ultrasonography. METHODS: Twenty-five patients diagnosed as upper gastrointestinal stromal tumor, between 1999 and 2004, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The reason for performing upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy was nonspecific upper gastrointestinal system symptoms in most (76%) of the patients. The other causes were upper gastrointestinal bleeding and dysphagia in 16% and 8% of the cases, respectively. Lesions were located in the stomach in 17 (68%), in the esophagus in six (24%), and in the duodenum in two (8%) patients. Endoscopic ultrasonographic evaluation revealed that all of the lesions arose from the muscularis propria. In 18 (72%) patients, tumors were less than 3 cm in diameter, homogeneous and hypoechoic in appearance with regular borders, concordant with benign tumor. In five (20%) patients, lesions had heterogeneous echoic appearance with anechoic spaces, two of which were larger than 3 cm and also showed irregular borders, suggesting malignancy. Surgical therapy was performed in five (20%) patients because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or suspicion of malignancy by endoscopic ultrasonographic evaluation. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis in all these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasonographic evaluation is very useful in diagnosis and for choosing the therapeutic method for patients with upper gastrointestinal stromal tumor.     

人工智能电子染色技术在声带白斑及食管病变诊断中的临床应用

目的 探讨人工智能电子染色技术(FICE)在声带白斑及食管病变诊断中的临床应用。方法 2014年1月至2016年1月行常规电子喉镜检查疑诊声带白斑的50例患者,利用FICE行声带与食管的精细检查,评估FICE对声带白斑的诊断价值。结果 50例患者常规喉镜检查发现病变50处,FICE发现病变52处。FICE模式与白光模式对声带病变表面毛细血管形态评分和病变边界清晰度评分比较,差异均有统计学意义（P值均〈0.05）。对声带病变性质的诊断,FICE放大内镜模式与病理诊断的符合率高于白光模式[89.4%（42/47）比68.1%（32/47）,P=0.01]。50例可疑声带白斑患者中,合并胃食管反流病者31例,给予质子泵抑制剂治疗3个月后复查,声带白斑减轻16例,消失13例,无明显变化者2例。结论 FICE在声带白斑病变的诊断方面,较常规电子喉镜及普通白光胃镜具有更高的临床应用价值。     

Autofluorescence endoscopy images of pancreas cancer: report of a case

This is the first report of the observation of pancreas cancer with an autofluorescence endoscopic imaging system (excitation: 437 nm). A case of intraductal papillary adenocarcinoma of pancreas was presented. After pancreatectomy, the resected pancreas was used to test the endoscope (16Fr) in the pancreatic duct. The normal pancreatic duct was seen as light blue and the protruding cancerous lesion was observed as a dark red image. In previous studies, cancerous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial tree and bile duct also appeared dark red when examined by autofluorescence endoscopy. In the pancreatic duct, the cancer lesion was also detected as dark red color.     

共聚焦激光显微内镜对早期上消化道肿瘤的诊断价值

上消化道肿瘤的早期诊断对改善患者的预后至关重要。共聚焦激光显微内镜是新近发展起来的新型内镜，可在常规内镜检查的同时获得放大1000倍的胃肠道表面和表面下的虚拟组织学图像。从而有可能提高诊断准确率。本文就共聚焦激光显微内镜在诊断早期上消化道肿瘤中的应用作一概述。     

Diagnosis of gastric antral vascular ectasia by transnasal flexible spectral imaging color enhancement

The endoscopic appearance of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) can be easily misinterpreted as inflammatory changes of gastric mucosa. We report on a case of GAVE that had been missed by conventional transnasal endoscopy but was diagnosed by flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) with a transnasal endoscope. A 45-year-old woman with severe anemia presented with a 1-month history of increasing fatigue. She was previously diagnosed as having acute antral gastritis by conventional transnasal endoscopy (EG 530N2) because of the presence of reddish mucosal changes on the entire antral rugal fold. However, the FICE images produced using a combination of new processor system (VP4450) and new small-caliber endoscope (EG 530NW), did not show reddish mucosal changes on the entire rugal fold, but gave a clear image of dilated vessels associated with GAVE distinct from the surrounding normal mucosa on the same fold. These findings are useful to differentiate GAVE from ordinary gastritis. The lesions of GAVE were managed with a combination of focal pulse and spray-painting techniques to obliterate the bulk of the disease in two sessions of argon plasma coagulation therapy. Three months later, the patient recovered from iron deficiency anemia with an oral medication of iron tablets.     

Narrow band imaging with magnification for the diagnosis of lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal(GI)tract disorders.Chromoendoscopy has proven to be superior to white light endoscopy for early detection of various GI lesions.This has however been fraught with problems.The use of color stains,time taken to achieve an effect and the learning curve associated with the technique has been some of the pitfalls.Narrow band imaging(NBI)particularly in combination with magnifying endoscopy may allow the endoscopist to accomplish a fairly accurate diagnosis with good histological correlation similar to results achieved with chromoendoscopy.Such enhanced detection of pre-malignant and early neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract should allow better targeting of biopsies and could ultimately prove to be cost effective.Various studies have been done demonstrating the utility of this novel technology.This article will review the impact of NBI in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal tract disorders.     

FICE技术10组波长对大肠息肉的诊断价值

目的:探讨FICE放大内镜10组波长组合对大肠息肉的观察效果,并选出最佳波长组合.方法:选择武汉大学人民医院 2007-05/2010-05进行常规内镜检查,资料保存完整的大肠息肉患者378例.采用FICE放大技术预先设定的10组波长分别对病变进行腺管开口分型及毛细血管形态观察,并对图像清晰度进行评分,选出最佳波长组合...