Magnification électronique en endoscopie digestive

Abstract

Precise endoscopic assessment of gastrointestinal mucosal features is important to detect neoplastic lesions at an early stage. Electronic virtual chromoendoscopy markedly improves capillary pattern contrast and is an in vivo method for visualizing microvessel morphological changes in superficial neoplastic lesions. The scientific basis for this technique is that short wavelength light falls within the haemoglobin absorption band, thereby facilitating clearer visualization of vascular structures and pit pattern. Narrow band imaging (NBI, Olympus), multiband imaging (FICE) and i-scan are real-time, on-demand endoscopic imaging techniques available with high-definition endoscope. Potential indications include both the detection of premalignant lesions and differentiation between neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions. The ease and readiness of use and the routine availability of virtual chromoendoscopy will probably contribute to its popularity. This does not alleviate the need to better define the role of these endoscopic techniques in daily practice by conducting well-designed prospective studies.