Narrow band imaging: Important tool for early diagnosis, management, and improved outcomes in gastrointestinal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Narrow band imaging-magnifying endoscopy (NBI-ME) is used to identify changes in mucosal or vascular pattern observed on GI endoscopy in real time on the basis of optical image enhancement.It has a significant role in early detection of dysplasia, premalignant, and Malignant lesions along with its depth of invasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Upper and lower GI endoscopy performed in 1742 patients who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms at this tertiary center over 5 years out of which 1623 were evaluated with both NBI-ME and histopathology. Real time endoscopic assessment was performed. Targeted biopsies were taken for comparative analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1742 patients, 119 were excluded from the study. 807 underwent upper GI endoscopy and 816 underwent lower GI endoscopy. Mean age of presentation was 38 +/- 2.7 years. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of NBI-ME for neoplastic esophageal lesions were 96.3%, 90.6%, 91.1%, 96.03%, respectively. For Barrett's esophagus it was 95.4%, 90.7%, 86.1%, and 90.7%; For gastric neoplastic lesions the values were 96.1%, 91.04%, 83.8%, and 97.9%. For colorectal it was 96.7%, 91.3%, 88.0%, and 97.7%. Overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of NBI-ME for neoplastic lesions (both upper and lower GI) were 96.2%, 91.0%, 96.2%, and 97.2%. Of the 1623 patients, 951 received medical management with regular surveillance and 672 patients with high-grade dysplasia, premalignant, and malignant conditions underwent interventions in form of either endoscopy or surgery. CONCLUSION: NBI-ME has a greater role and can be considered as an effective tool in making early diagnosis and guiding optimum treatment.

A novel color-aided system for diagnosis of early gastric cancer using magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging.

BACKGROUND: The Pink Zone Pattern (PP) sign is a typical color alteration of early gastric cancer (EGC) under magnifying endoscopic narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI). By integrating the color changes (PP sign) with the "vessel plus surface (VS)" classification system, we developed an innovative diagnostic system for EGC and named it "Pink Microsurface Microvascular (PSV)" system. Here, we aimed to elucidate the diagnostic performance of the PSV system for EGC. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective clinical study (before-after design) consisting of 2 cross-sectional studies at 2 separate periods. In the before phase, 184 suspected lesions were evaluated using the VS system under ME-NBI; in the after phase, 183 suspected lesions were evaluated using the PSV system. We compared the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) between the VS group and the PSV group. RESULTS: The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the VS system for EGC were 84.6%, 87.0%, 83.6%, 67.8%, and 94.2%, respectively, and those for the PSV system were 93.0%, 92.0%, 93.4%, 85.2%, and 96.6%, respectively. The accuracy, specificity, and PPV of the PSV system were superior to those of the VS system. However, the sensitivity and NPV did not significantly differ between the VS system and the PSV system. The VS system was inconclusive for 22 lesions (12.0%) and the PSV system was inconclusive for 11 lesions (6.0%). The PSV system could identify more suspicious lesions than the VS system. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a new PSV diagnostic system by combining the VS system and the PP sign. Compared with the VS system, the PSV system could identify more suspected lesions and improve the diagnostic performance of EGC.

Imaging colonic polyps in 2024.

Screening colonoscopy and polypectomy are the cornerstone in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Despite the low incidence of colorectal cancer in India, there has been a rising trend in the incidence of colonic polyps and cancer over the last decade. It is, hence, imperative that we are well equipped in the management of colonic polyps. Adequate training in the detection and characterization of polyps to aid in their management is necessary. Detection of polyps can be increased by adhering to the standards of colonoscopy, including good bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, adequate withdrawal time and use of distal attachment devices. A detected polyp needs optimal characterization to predict histology in real time and decide on the management strategies. Characterization of the polyps requires high-definition-white light endoscopy and/or image-enhanced endoscopy (dye based or digital). Various factors that help in predicting histology include size, location and morphology of the polyp and the pit pattern, vascular and surface pattern of the polyp. Polyps can be differentiated as neoplastic or non-neoplastic with reasonable accuracy with the above features. Prediction of advanced pathology including high-grade dysplasia and deep sub-mucosal invasion is essential, as it helps in deciding if the lesion is amenable to endotherapy and the technique of endoscopic resection. Adequate training in image-enhanced endoscopy is necessary to assess advanced pathology in polyps. Technology pertaining to image-enhanced endoscopy includes narrow banding imaging and blue laser imaging; newer variations are being introduced every few years making it necessary to be abreast with growing information. The recent advances in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with the advent of endocytoscopy and artificial intelligence seem promising and are predicted to be the future of GI endoscopy.

Spectrum aided vision enhancer enhances mucosal visualization by hyperspectral imaging in capsule endoscopy.

Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is more efficient in detecting early gastrointestinal cancer than white light imaging (WLI). NBI technology is available only in conventional endoscopy, but unavailable in magnetic-assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) systems due to MACE's small size and obstacles in image processing issues. MACE is an easy, safe, and convenient tool for both patients and physicians to avoid the disadvantages of conventional endoscopy. Enabling NBI technology in MACE is mandatory. We developed a novel method to improve mucosal visualization using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) known as Spectrum Aided Visual Enhancer (SAVE, Transfer N, Hitspectra Intelligent Technology Co., Kaohsiung, Taiwan). The technique was developed by converting the WLI image captured by MACE to enhance SAVE images. The structural similarity index metric (SSIM) between the WLI MACE images and the enhanced SAVE images was 91%, while the entropy difference between the WLI MACE images and the enhanced SAVE images was only 0.47%. SAVE algorithm can identify the mucosal break on the esophagogastric junction in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder. We successfully developed a novel image-enhancing technique, SAVE, in the MACE system, showing close similarity to the NBI from the conventional endoscopy system. The future application of this novel technology in the MACE system can be promising.

Narrow-band imaging to enhance intraneural dissection in head and neck schwannoma surgery: a quantitative evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of narrow-band imaging (NBI) for improving intraneural dissection during gross total resection of head and neck schwannoma. Specifically, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate whether NBI can enhance the identification of pseudocapsule and true capsule within the tumor. METHODS: Nine schwannoma surgery cases conducted between February 2018 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical procedures followed established principles with a specific focus on utilizing NBI to distinguish between the pseudocapsule and true capsule. Intraneural dissection was performed by searching for a tumor surface with a fascicle-free window, followed by longitudinal incision of the pseudocapsule. NBI was used to distinguish between the pseudocapsule and true capsule. Surgical views were captured under both white light (WL) illumination and NBI for further analysis. The brightness and contrast of the pseudocapsule and true capsule were quantitatively measured using ImageJ and were compared. RESULTS: Under NBI, the pseudocapsule consistently appeared greenish-gray, whereas the true capsule exhibited a white appearance. Quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) in brightness between the pseudocapsule (mean grayscale value 52.1, 95%CI; 46.4-75.3) and true tumor capsule (mean grayscale value 120.8, 95%CI; 155.7-109.0) under NBI. Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference in the brightness of these structures under WL (p = 0.2067). NBI also showed significantly higher contrast between the two structures than did WL (contrast 73.6, 95%CI; 53.1-89.5 vs. 30.9, 95%CI; 1.0-47.5, p = 0.0034). Further spectral analysis revealed that the most substantial difference in brightness between the pseudocapsule and the true tumor capsule was observed in the red spectrum, with a difference in brightness of -0.6 (95%CI; -16.8-14.8) under WL and 83.5 (95%CI; 50.3-100.0) under NBI (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: NBI proved to be a valuable tool for enhancing the identification of pseudocapsule and true capsule during intraneural dissection in head and neck schwannoma surgery. The improved contrast and membrane visibility offered by NBI might have the potential to reduce postoperative neurological deficits and improve surgical outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate our findings and explore the broader applications of NBI in schwannoma surgery.

A Systematic Review Evaluating the Diagnostic Efficacy of Narrow-Band Imaging for Laryngeal Cancer Detection.

Background: Narrow-band imaging is an advanced endoscopic technology used to detect changes on the laryngeal tissue surface, employing a comparative approach alongside white-light endoscopy to facilitate histopathological examination. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utility and advantages of NBI (narrow-band imaging) in identifying malignant laryngeal lesions through a comparative analysis with histopathological examination. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, utilizing databases such as PubMed, the CNKI database, and Embase for our research. Results: We analyzed the articles by reviewing their titles and abstracts, selecting those we considered relevant based on determined criteria; in the final phase, we examined the relevant studies according to the specific eligibility criteria. Conclusions: Narrow-band imaging is an advanced endoscopic technology that demonstrates its efficacy as a tool for diagnosing malignant laryngeal lesions and comparing them to premalignant lesions. The European Society of Laryngology has implemented a standardized classification system for laryngeal lesions to enhance data correlation and organization.

Efficacy of Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging in the Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer and Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Early diagnosis of gastric cancer can improve the prognosis of patients, especially for those with early gastric cancer (EGC), but only 15% of patients, or less, are diagnosed with EGC and precancerous lesions. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) can improve diagnostic accuracy. We assess the efficacy of ME-NBI in diagnosing ECG and precancerous lesions, especially some characteristics under NBI+ME. This was a retrospective analysis of 131 patients with EGC or gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) who had undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection and were pathologically diagnosed with EGC or IN according to 2019 WHO criteria for gastrointestinal tract tumors. We studied the characteristics of lesions under ME-NBI ,compared the diagnostic efficacy of ME-NBI and white light endoscopy (WLI) plus biopsy, and investigated the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on microvascular and microsurface pattern. The diagnostic accuracy of ME-NBI for EGC, high-grade IN (HGIN), and low-grade IN (LGIN) was 76.06%, 77.96%, and 77.06%, respectively. The accuracy of WLI plus biopsy in diagnosing the above lesions was 69.7%, 57.5%, and 60.53%, respectively. The rate of gyrus-like tubular pattern was highest in LGIN (60.46%), whereas the highest rate of papillary pattern was 57.14% in HGIN and villous tubular pattern was 52% in EGC. Demarcation lines have better sensitivity for differentiating EGC from IN (92.06%). The ME-NBI has higher diagnostic accuracy for EGC than WLI plus biopsy. Demarcation lines and villous and papillary-like microsurface patterns are more specific as EGC and HGIN characteristics. The cerebral gyrus-like microsurface pattern is more specific for LGIN.

Effect of texture and color enhancement imaging on the visibility of gastric tumors.

Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) may improve the visibility of gastric tumors and allow their early detection. However, few reports have examined the utility of TXI. Between June 2021 and October 2022, 56 gastric tumors in 51 patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection at Fukuchiyama City Hospital were evaluated preoperatively using conventional white light imaging (WLI), narrow-band imaging (NBI), and TXI modes 1 and 2. The color differences of the tumors and surrounding mucosae were evaluated using the CIE 1976 L*a*b color space, Additionally, the visibility scores were scaled. Of the 56 gastric tumors, 45 were early gastric cancers, and 11 were adenomas. Overall, the color difference in TXI mode 1 was considerably higher compared to WLI (16.36 ± 7.05 vs. 10.84 ± 4.05; p < 0.01). Moreover, the color difference in early gastric cancers was considerably higher in TXI mode 1 compared to WLI, whereas no significant difference was found in adenomas. The visibility score in TXI mode 1 was the highest, and it was significantly higher compared to WLI. Regarding adenomas, the visibility score in TXI mode 1 was also significantly higher compared to that in WLI. TXI may provide improved gastric tumor visibility.

Evaluation of the extended Japan NBI expert team classification of subtype 2B in laterally spreading colorectal tumors based on blue laser imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification has good diagnostic potential for colorectal diseases. We aimed to explore the diagnostic value of the JNET classification type 2B (JNET2B) criteria for colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) based on magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging (ME-BLI) examination. METHODS: Between January 2017 and June 2023, 218 patients who were diagnosed as having JNET2B-type LSTs using ME-BLI were included retrospectively. Endoscopic images were reinterpreted to categorize the LSTs as JNET2B-low (n = 178) and JNET2B-high (n = 53) LSTs. The JNET2B-low and JNET2B-high LSTs were compared based on their histopathological and morphological classifications. RESULTS: Among the 178 JNET2B-low LSTs, 86 (48.3%) were histopathologically classified as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 54 (30.3%) as high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), 37 (20.8%) as intramucosal carcinoma (IMC), and one (0.6%) as superficial invasive submucosal carcinoma (SMC1). Among the 53 JNET2B-high LSTs, five (9.4%) were classified as HGIN, 28 (52.9%) as IMC, 15 (28.3%) as SMC1, and 5 (9.4%) as deep invasive submucosal carcinoma. There were significant differences in this histopathological classification between the two groups (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between JNET2B-low and JNET2B-high LSTs based on their morphological classification (granular vs nongranular) or size (<20 mm vs ≥20 mm). Besides, the κ value for JNET2B subtyping was 0.698 (95% confidence interval 0.592-0.804) between the two endoscopists who reassessed the endoscopic images. CONCLUSION: The JNET2B subtyping of LSTs has a diagnostic potential in the preoperative setting, and may be valuable for treatment decision-making.

[The effect of narrow band imaging in CO2 laser therapy in early-stage glottic cancer].

Objective:To explore efficacy of narrow band imaging（NBI） technique in CO2laser therapy in Early-Stage Glottic cancer. Methods:The clinical data of patients with Early-Stage Glottic cancer who underwent CO2laser vocal cord resection from June 2011 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 27 patients who underwent surgery assisted by NBI were assigned to the observation group, while 25 patients who underwent conventional CO2 laser microsurgery with a suspension laryngoscope were assigned to the control group. The differences between the two groups were analyzed in terms of intraoperative frozen pathology results, postoperative recurrence rates, 5-year cumulative disease-free survival rates, complications, and voice recovery. Results:All 52 patients were operated successfully. Temporary tracheostomy and serious complications did not occur during the operation. The postoperative patient's pronunciation was satisfactory. One patient experienced vocal cord adhesion, but there were no severe complications such as breathing difficulties or bleeding, with an overall complication rate of 1.92%. Postoperative follow-up was 1-5 years. The 5 years recurrence free survival in the general group was 77.90％, and the 5 years recurrence free survival in the NBI group was 100％, the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. NBI endoscopy is safer and more accurate than the general group in determining the safe margin of tumor mucosal resection（P<0.05）. Among the patients who accepted the voice analysis, the difference was no statistically significant（P>0.05）. Conclusion:Compared with conventional CO2laser surgery under microscope, NBI guided laser resection of Early-Stage Glottic cancer is more accurate. NBI guided laser resection could improve 5 years recurrence free survival rate. In a word, narrow-band imaging endoscopy can has very high value in clinical application.

Diagnostic performance of the Japanese Narrow-band imaging expert team classification system using dual focus magnification in real-time Vietnamese setting.

The JNET classification, combined with magnified narrowband imaging (NBI), is essential for predicting the histology of colorectal polyps and guiding personalized treatment strategies. Despite its recognized utility, the diagnostic efficacy of JNET classification using NBI with dual focus (DF) magnification requires exploration in the Vietnamese context. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of the JNET classification with the NBI-DF mode in predicting the histology of colorectal polyps in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During real-time endoscopy, endoscopists evaluated the lesion characteristics and recorded optical diagnoses using the dual focus mode magnification according to the JNET classification. En bloc lesion resection (endoscopic or surgical) provided the final pathology, serving as the reference standard for optical diagnoses. A total of 739 patients with 1353 lesions were recruited between October 2021 and March 2023. The overall concordance with the JNET classification was 86.9%. Specificities and positive predictive values for JNET types were: type 1 (95.7%, 88.3%); type 2A (81.4%, 90%); type 2B (96.6%, 54.7%); and type 3 (99.9%, 93.3%). The sensitivity and negative predictive value for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions were 97.8% and 88.3%, respectively. However, the sensitivity for distinguishing malignant from benign neoplasia was lower at 64.1%, despite a specificity of 95.9%. Notably, the specificity and positive predictive value for identifying deep submucosal cancer were high at 99.8% and 93.3%. In Vietnam, applying the JNET classification with NBI-DF demonstrates significant value in predicting the histology of colorectal polyps. This classification guides treatment decisions and prevents unnecessary surgeries.

Computer Vision Foundation Models in Endoscopy: Proof of Concept in Oropharyngeal Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of vision transformer-derived image embeddings for distinguishing between normal and neoplastic tissues in the oropharynx and to investigate the potential of computer vision (CV) foundation models in medical imaging. METHODS: Computational study using endoscopic frames with a focus on the application of a self-supervised vision transformer model (DINOv2) for tissue classification. High-definition endoscopic images were used to extract image patches that were then normalized and processed using the DINOv2 model to obtain embeddings. These embeddings served as input for a standard support vector machine (SVM) to classify the tissues as neoplastic or normal. The model's discriminative performance was validated using an 80-20 train-validation split. RESULTS: From 38 endoscopic NBI videos, 327 image patches were analyzed. The classification results in the validation cohort demonstrated high accuracy (92%) and precision (89%), with a perfect recall (100%) and an F1-score of 94%. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96. CONCLUSION: The use of large vision model-derived embeddings effectively differentiated between neoplastic and normal oropharyngeal tissues. This study supports the feasibility of employing CV foundation models like DINOv2 in the endoscopic evaluation of mucosal lesions, potentially augmenting diagnostic precision in Otorhinolaryngology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4535-4541, 2024.

Standard-definition White-light, High-definition White-light versus Narrow-band Imaging Endoscopy for Detecting Colorectal Adenomas: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the performance of standard-definition white-light endoscopy (SD-WL), high-definition white-light endoscopy (HD-WL), and high-definition narrow-band imaging (HD-NBI) in detecting colorectal lesions in the Chinese population. METHODS: This was a multicenter, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a non-inferiority design. Patients undergoing endoscopy for physical examination, screening, and surveillance were enrolled from July 2017 to December 2020. The primary outcome measure was the adenoma detection rate (ADR), defined as the proportion of patients with at least one adenoma detected. The associated factors for detecting adenomas were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of 653 eligible patients enrolled, data from 596 patients were analyzed. The ADRs were 34.5% in the SD-WL group, 33.5% in the HD-WL group, and 37.5% in the HD-NBI group (P=0.72). The advanced neoplasm detection rates (ANDRs) in the three arms were 17.1%, 15.5%, and 10.4% (P=0.17). No significant differences were found between the SD group and HD group regarding ADR or ANDR (ADR: 34.5% vs. 35.6%, P=0.79; ANDR: 17.1% vs. 13.0%, P=0.16, respectively). Similar results were observed between the HD-WL group and HD-NBI group (ADR: 33.5% vs. 37.7%, P=0.45; ANDR: 15.5% vs. 10.4%, P=0.18, respectively). In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, neither HD-WL nor HD-NBI led to a significant difference in overall adenoma detection compared to SD-WL (HD-WL: OR 0.91, P=0.69; HD-NBI: OR 1.15, P=0.80). CONCLUSION: HD-NBI and HD-WL are comparable to SD-WL for overall adenoma detection among Chinese outpatients. It can be concluded that HD-NBI or HD-WL is not superior to SD-WL, but more effective instruction may be needed to guide the selection of different endoscopic methods in the future. Our study's conclusions may aid in the efficient allocation and utilization of limited colonoscopy resources, especially advanced imaging technologies.

The usefulness of narrow-band Imaging (NBI) in nasopharyngeal lesions-Validation of the Ni NBI classification dedicated for vascular pattern in the nasopharynx.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the applicability of narrow-band imaging (NBI) involving the Ni classification for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal mucosal lesions in order to distinguish malignant tumours (NPT) from non-malignant lesions. METHODS: Each patient (n = 53) with a suspected nasopharyngeal lesion underwent a trans-nasal flexible video endoscopy with an optical filter for NBI. We assessed the suspected area using white light imaging (WLI) in terms of location and morphology as well as the vascular pattern (using Ni classification of nasopharyngeal microvessels) and surrounding tissue by using NBI. Based on the results of the NBI and WLI, patients were classified into "positive" or "negative" groups. All lesions of the nasopharynx were biopsied and submitted for final histological evaluation. RESULTS: NBI showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than WLI. There was a significant correlation between the final histological result and the NBI pattern of the NPT: Chi2(1) = 31.34; p = 0.000001 and the WLI assessment of the NPT: Chi2(1) = 14.78; p = 0.00012. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the NPT in NBI using Ni NBI classification proved valuable in suspected mucosa assessment. NBI not only confirms the suspicious areas in WLI, but it also shows microlesions beyond the scope of WLI and allows for proper sampling.

Red dichromatic imaging and linked color imaging as reliable image-enhanced endoscopic procedures for detecting the distal end of the palisade vessels in the columnar metaplastic mucosa of the gastroesophageal junction zone.

BACKGROUND: There is a consensus that identifying the distal end of the palisade vessels (DEPV) is important for diagnosing gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). However, optimum observation methods have not been established. This study investigated the use of effective image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for DEPV detection. METHODS: One hundred endoscopic images in 20 cases of columnar metaplastic mucosa of the GEJ recorded with white-light imaging (Olympus-WLI and Fujifilm-WLI) and IEEs (narrow-band imaging; RDI1/2/3, red dichromatic imaging; texture and color enhancement imaging 1/2; blue-laser imaging; and LCI, linked color imaging) from two manufacturers were extracted and evaluated by 10 evaluators. Up to 24 radial straight lines from the center of the lumen were placed on the image, and the evaluators placed markings according to confidence level (high, low, and not detectable) at the DEPV locations. The detectability and reproducibility at the rate of the confidence level and coefficient of variance of markings among the evaluator were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 15,180 markings were obtained. In terms of detectability, RDI1 (49.4%), RDI2 (53.0%), RDI3 (54.1%), TXI2 (49.7%), and LCI (34.6%) had a significantly higher rate of high confidence among the IEEs in each manufacturer. By contrast, Olympus-WLI (40.6%), Fujifilm-WLI (17.6%), narrow-band imaging (15.9%), and blue laser imaging (9.8%) presented with a significantly lower rates of high confidence. Regarding reproducibility, RDI3 and LCI had the lowest coefficient of variance for each manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS: RDI and LCI could be reliable modalities for detecting DEPVs in the columnar metaplastic mucosa of the GEJ zone.

Clinical, Pathological and Endoscopic Features of Neoplastic or Non-neoplastic Reddish Depressed Lesions after Helicobacter pylori Eradication.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early gastric cancers (EGCs) after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication often appear as reddish depressed lesions (RDLs); the same features are also appeared in benign stomachs after eradication. We compared clinic-pathological and endoscopic features of benign and neoplastic RDLs after H. pylori eradication. METHODS: 228 neoplastic RDLs after H. pylori eradication were studied. All lesions were divided into neoplastic RDLs (differentiated carcinoma or adenoma, n=114) and benign RDLs (n=114) according to the histology. Clinical and pathological characteristics were compared in neoplastic and benign groups. Endoscopic diagnostic yields using the white light (WL) endoscopy, chromoendoscopy (CE) using indigo carmine dye and the magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) were also evaluated in relation to the pathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Size of neoplastic RDLs was larger than that of benign RDLs (p<0.01). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for predicting pathological types of RDLs was 70.1%, 52.6% and 61.4% for the WL, 65.8%, 63.1% and 65.4% for the CE, while the ME-NBI scored better with the 88.6%, 88.6%, 99.1% and 93.9% of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The accuracy of the ME-NBI was 99.9% (113/114) in the benign RDLs and 89.4% (101/114) for the neoplastic RDLs. Undiagnosed neoplastic RDLs using the ME-NBI were associated with more differentiated tumors such as adenoma and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (tub1) and the presence of an unclear demarcation line. CONCLUSIONS: ME-NBI is useful to diagnose RDLs after H. pylori eradiation, while some of neoplastic lesions are difficult to diagnose using the ME-NBI.

Multi-Instance Learning for Vocal Fold Leukoplakia Diagnosis Using White Light and Narrow-Band Imaging: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) is a precancerous lesion of laryngeal cancer, and its endoscopic diagnosis poses challenges. We aim to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model using white light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) to distinguish benign from malignant VFL. METHODS: A total of 7057 images from 426 patients were used for model development and internal validation. Additionally, 1617 images from two other hospitals were used for model external validation. Modeling learning based on WLI and NBI modalities was conducted using deep learning combined with a multi-instance learning approach (MIL). Furthermore, 50 prospectively collected videos were used to evaluate real-time model performance. A human-machine comparison involving 100 patients and 12 laryngologists assessed the real-world effectiveness of the model. RESULTS: The model achieved the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.868 and 0.884 in the internal and external validation sets, respectively. AUC in the video validation set was 0.825 (95% CI: 0.704-0.946). In the human-machine comparison, AI significantly improved AUC and accuracy for all laryngologists (p < 0.05). With the assistance of AI, the diagnostic abilities and consistency of all laryngologists improved. CONCLUSIONS: Our multicenter study developed an effective AI model using MIL and fusion of WLI and NBI images for VFL diagnosis, particularly aiding junior laryngologists. However, further optimization and validation are necessary to fully assess its potential impact in clinical settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:4321-4328, 2024.

Objective Comparison of White Light and Narrow-Band Imaging for Detecting Scars, Sulci and Nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Narrow-band imaging (NBI) can improve detection of lesions in the aerodigestive tract. However, its role in benign lesions of the larynx is unclear. This study aims to determine whether NBI improves the detection of scars, sulci, and nodules compared to panchromatic lighting using objective image analysis. METHODS: In total, 120 vocal folds (VFs) were analyzed with and without NBI (21 normal, 15 scars, 16 sulci, and 45 nodules). Each VF image had anterior, middle, and posterior thirds analyzed for brightness using an area morphometry software (Optimas 5.1a). The middle-third with the lesion was analyzed against surrounding VF segments for average and standard deviation (SD) in absolute grayscale. RESULTS: The use of panchromatic light resulted in greater illumination and grayscale values than NBI. All lesions tended to be in the mid-membranous fold. Under panchromatic light, change in brightness when comparing anterior versus middle (A-M) was +6.1% for normal, versus 6.5%, 8.1%, and 7.1% for sulci, nodules, and scars, respectively. Under NBI, they were 9.0% (normal), 12.3% (sulci), 13.7% (nodules), and 13.1% (scars). A greater SD of luminescence was observed at pathology sites (p < 0.05) when using NBI. The change in absolute grayscale at all lesion sites was greater when using NBI than when using panchromatic light (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NBI significantly enhanced the area of pathology in patients with nodules, sulci, and scars. Greater SD values in grayscale at pathologic sites were observed compared at normal sites. Thus, NBI may improve the detection of phonotraumatic lesions compared to panchromatic light. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4066-4070, 2024.

Comparison of Effective Imaging Modalities for Detecting Gastric Neoplasms: A Randomized 3-Arm Phase II Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The early detection of gastric neoplasms (GNs) leads to favorable treatment outcomes. The latest endoscopic system, EVIS X1, includes third-generation narrow-band imaging (3G-NBI), texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI), and high-definition white-light imaging (WLI). Therefore, this randomized phase II trial aimed to identify the most promising imaging modality for GN detection using 3G-NBI and TXI. METHODS: Patients with scheduled surveillance endoscopy after a history of esophageal cancer or GN or preoperative endoscopy for known esophageal cancer or GN were randomly assigned to the 3G-NBI, TXI, or WLI groups. Endoscopic observations were performed to detect new GN lesions, and all suspected lesions were biopsied. The primary endpoint was the GN detection rate during primary observation. Secondary endpoints were the rate of missed GNs, early gastric cancer detection rate, and positive predictive value for a GN diagnosis. The decision rule had a higher GN detection rate between 3G-NBI and TXI, outperforming WLI by >1.0%. RESULTS: Finally, 901 patients were enrolled and assigned to the 3G-NBI, TXI, and WLI groups (300, 300, and 301 patients, respectively). GN detection rates in the 3G-NBI, TXI, and WLI groups were 7.3, 5.0, and 5.6%, respectively. The rates of missed GNs were 1.0, 0.7, and 1.0%, the detection rates of early gastric cancer were 5.7, 4.0, and 5.6%, and the positive predictive values for the diagnosis of GN were 36.5, 21.3, and 36.8% in the 3G-NBI, TXI, and WLI groups, respectively. DISCUSSION: Compared with TXI and WLI, 3G-NBI is a more promising modality for GN detection.

Endoscopic Diagnosis of Epithelial Subtypes of Superficial Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors using Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) include low-grade adenoma (LGA) and high-grade adenoma or carcinoma (HGA/Ca) and are classified into two different epithelial subtypes, gastric-type (G-type) and intestinal-type (I-type). We attempted to distinguish them by endoscopic characteristics including magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI). METHODS: Various endoscopic and M-NBI findings of 286 SNADETs were retrospectively reviewed and compared between G- and I-types and histological grades. M-NBI findings were divided into four patterns based on the following vascular patterns; absent, network, intrastructural vascular (ISV), and unclassified. Lesions displaying a single pattern were classified as mono-pattern and those displaying multiple patterns as mixed-pattern. Lesions showing CDX2 positivity were categorized as I-types and those showing MUC5AC or MUC6 positivity were categorized as G-types based on immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Among 286 lesions, 23 (8%) were G-type and 243 (85%) were I-type. More G-type lesions were located oral to papilla (91.3 vs. 45.6%, p < 0.001), and had protruding morphology compared to those of I-types (65.2 vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001). The major M-NBI pattern was ISV in G-type (78.2 vs. 26.3%, p < 0.001), and absent for I-type (0 vs. 34.5%, p = 0.003). Three endoscopic characteristics; location oral to papilla, protruding morphology, and major M-NBI pattern (ISV) were independent predictors for G-type. Mixed-pattern was more common in HGA/Ca than LGA for I-type (77.0 vs. 58.8%, p = 0.01); however, there was no difference for those in G-type. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic findings including M-NBI are useful to differentiate epithelial subtypes.