Diagnostic Accuracy Of Endoscopy Research Articles

Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy in determining rectal tumor proximity to the peritoneal reflection.

Treatment of invasive rectal adenocarcinoma is stratified into upfront surgery versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in part, based on tumor distance from the anal verge (AV). This study examines the correlation between tumor distance measurements (endoscopic and MRI) and relationship to the anterior peritoneal reflection (aPR) on MRI. A single-center retrospective study was performed at a tertiary center accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). 162 patients with invasive rectal cancer were seen between October of 2018 and April of 2022. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for MRI and endoscopic measurements in their ability to predict tumor location relative to the aPR. One hundred nineteen patients had tumors endoscopically and radiographically measured from the AV. Pelvic MRI characterized tumors as above (intraperitoneal) or at/straddles/below the aPR (extraperitoneal). True positives were defined as extraperitoneal tumors [Formula: see text] 10cm. True negatives were defined as intraperitoneal tumors > 10cm. Endoscopy was 81.9% sensitive and 64.3% specific in predicting tumor location with respect to the aPR. MRI was 86.7% sensitive and 92.9% specific. Utilizing a 12cm cutoff, sensitivity of both modalities increased (94.3%, 91.4%) but specificity decreased (50%, 64.3%). For locally invasive rectal cancers, tumor position relative to the aPR is an important factor in determining the role of neoadjuvant therapy. These results suggest endoscopic tumor measurements do not accurately predict tumor location relative to the aPR, and may lead to incorrect treatment stratification recommendation. When the aPR is not identified, MRI-reported tumor distance may be a better predictor of this relationship.

Reporting of Helicobacter pylori associated gastroduodenal diseases: A clinicopathological approach

is one of the most important causes of the varied spectrum of gastroduodenal diseases. It is important to have a collaborative approach between clinicians and pathologists for early initiation of treatment in patients and control the progression of the disease.To evaluate the clinico-histopathological spectrum of gastroduodenal diseases with respect to infection and provide recommendations for reporting and management of the same.All patients of chronic dyspepsia not responding to conventional treatment were subjected to endoscopy, and mucosal biopsy samples were collected. A rapid urease test (RUT) and histopathology was performed on these samples. A histopathological evaluation was done with special reference to the Updated Sydney System for reporting of chronic gastritisThe specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of RUT were 97.22%, 94.04%, 98.75%, 87.5%, and 95%, respectively. The specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy were calculated as 98.68%, 88.5%, 95.83%, 96.15% and 96.07% respectively.A clinicopathological approach for diagnosis of associated gastroduodenal diseases which includes clinical assessment, endoscopic evaluation, RUT and histopathological analysis is of prime importance for effective management of such patients.

Prospective comparison of diagnostic performance of magnifying endoscopy and biopsy for sessile serrated adenoma/polyp.

BackgroundMagnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) has recently improved the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors, including colorectal polyps. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) and other polyps, especially hyperplastic polyps (HPs), by histological biopsy, because diagnostic features of SSA/Ps can be detected around the colon crypt bases. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis of SSA/Ps using M-NBI compared with histological biopsy.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with SSA/Ps by preoperative endoscopy and assessed the diagnostic accuracy. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy and biopsy.ResultsBetween August 2015 and October 2017, 295 lesions were resected by polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection, and 79 endoscopically resected specimens that were endoscopically diagnosed as SSA/P underwent biopsy for histological examination. Two lesions were excluded because the specimens were too small for histological examination. Finally, 77 endoscopically resected specimens and 77 biopsy specimens were included in the analysis. Histopathological examination showed 67 SSA/Ps, 8 HPs, and 2 adenomas. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of endoscopic M-NBI diagnosis for SSA/Ps were 95.7%, 95.5% and 95.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of histological diagnosis of a single biopsy specimen were 71.6%, 90.0% and 74.0%, respectively. The McNemar test showed significant differences between biopsy and endoscopy diagnoses (P=0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that biopsy may be avoided by using M-NBI in patients with suspected SSA/Ps.

Association between Endoscopic Findings Vs. Serology Findings of Patients with Suspected Celiac Disease

Objective: To determine the association between endoscopic findings vs. serology findings of patients with suspected celiac disease
 Methods: All the suspected cases (based on their clinical manifestations) of celiac disease were initially recruited having age >14 years and <40 years of both gender. Patients who did not willing to participate, patients already taking gluten diet for more than 3 months, patients with other causes of chronic diarrhea and alternate diagnosis like thyrotoxicosis, whipple’s disease, giardiasis, patients with drug induced diarrhea, patients in whom we cannot perform endoscopy, pregnant women, and patients already diagnosed cases of celiac disease were excluded from this study. Celiac disease was confirmed based on positive anti-tTG antibodies. Endoscopic evaluation of duodenum was performed in all positive cases.
 Results: A total of 50 patients were recruited for final analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was 34.6%. Young population (31.14±6.07 years) with females predominance (72%, n=36) were more common than males. The most common symptoms were presence of chronic diarrhea (74%, n=37) followed by abdominal pain (52%, n=26), nausea & vomiting (34%, n=17), and least common was presence of constipation (2%, n=1). On endoscopic evaluation, out of 50 positive anti-tTG antibodies cases, 24 had normal mucosa while partial villous atrophy observed in 15 (30%) cases and total villous atrophy observed in 11 cases (22%).
 Conclusions: Celiac disease was more prevalent in young females and patients usually presents with history of chronic diarrhea. Anti-tTG antibodies have more diagnostic value than duodenal endoscopy. Villous atrophy was found in more than 50% of the patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease.

İntestinal graft versus host hastalığının endoskopik bulgularının retrospektif değerlendirilmesi

Background and Aims: Acute graft-versus-host disease occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is a reaction of donor immune cells against host tissues. Activated donor T cells damage host epithelial cells. About 35%-50% of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients will develop acute graft-versus-host disease. The endoscopic findings varied markedly and included mild mucosal edema with focal erythema, diffuse erythema, and diffuse polypoid indurations with multiple bleeding ulcerations. We investigated endoscopic findings in a graft-versus-host disease patient population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of endoscopic data was performed in 18 adult allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients at our institution. Results: In this study, 18 allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients (mean age 33.9 years; 62% male) were evaluated. In 6 graftversus- host disease patients, the endoscopic appearances of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum varied from subtle mucosal erythema and edema to frank ulceration. Colonoscopy was performed with biopsies in 12 graft-versus- host disease patients. The colonoscopic findings varied markedly and ranged from mild mucosal edema with focal erythema to multiple bleeding ulcerations. Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was high in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease. Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease might be obtained with mucosal biopsies from either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy may play a significant role in establishing early diagnosis and treatment for gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease patients.

Aortoenteric fistula as a complication of open reconstruction and endovascular repair of abdominal aorta.

The paper intends to present a review of imaging characteristics of secondary aortoenteric fistula (AEF). Mechanical injury, infection, and adherence of a bowel segment to the aorta or aortic graft are major etiologic factors of AEF after open aortic repair. The pathogenesis of AEF formation after endovascular abdominal aortic repair is related to mechanical failure of the stent-graft, to stent graft infection, and to persistent pressurization of the aneurysmal sac. The major clinical manifestations of AEF comprise haematemesis, melaena, abdominal pain, sepsis, and fever. CT is the initial diagnostic modality of choice in a stable patient. However, the majority of reported CT appearances are not specific. In case of equivocal CT scans and clinical suspicion of AEF, scintigraphy, 67Ga citrate scans or 18F-FDG PET/CT is useful. Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy in evaluation of AEF is low; nevertheless it allows to evaluate other than AEF etiologies of gastrointestinal bleeding. Without adequate therapy, AEF is lethal. Conventional surgical treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The endovascular repair may be an option in hemodynamically unstable and high-risk surgical patients. We also illustrate an example of a secondary AEF with highly specific albeit rare radiologic picture from our institution.

How is the VS (vessel plus surface) classification system applicable to magnifying narrow-band imaging examinations of gastric neoplasias initially diagnosed as low-grade adenomas?

The endoscopic diagnosis of gastric mucosal lesions comprises two steps: detection and then characterization. After an endoscopic diagnosis has been made, endoscopists insist on taking at least one forceps biopsy from the target lesion to allow histological confirmation, because the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy using conventional white-light imaging (C-WLI) alone is not sufficient [1]. As so rightly pointed out in this month’s issue of Gastric Cancer [1], we frequently encounter inconsistencies between the histological findings from biopsy specimens and endoscopically resected specimens. For example, the biopsy-based histological findings are of low-grade adenoma (LGA), but the resection-based histological findings are of high-grade adenoma (HGA) or early cancer (EC). This is because it is sometimes difficult for the pathologist to achieve a correct diagnosis from a small biopsy specimen alone, and it is impossible for the endoscopist to consistently obtain a target biopsy from the most suspicious part of the lesion referring to C-WLI endoscopy alone. Differentiating between LGA and HGA/EC is therefore difficult, even after histological biopsy-based examination. This can result in the overtreatment of lesions which are in fact LGAs. Dr. Kazuhiro Miwa’s clinical question is pertinent. Guidelines for the endoscopic treatment of LGA on biopsy have not been established, and a solution to this problem is clinically relevant. The development of narrow-band imaging (NBI) has enabled endoscopic optical biopsies throughout the gastrointestinal tract [2, 3]. However, NBI is not suited to lesion detection within the stomach because it is too dark to obtain an overview of the gastric mucosa due to the wide lumen of the stomach. On the other hand, magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) is a powerful tool for characterizing the gastric mucosal surface, because it can visualize the precise microanatomies of both the microvascular (MV) and microsurface (MS) patterns of gastric mucosal lesions (Table 1) [4]. Based on these visualized microanatomies, a VS (vessel plus surface) classification system has been proposed for differentiating between cancerous and noncancerous lesions [4]. The diagnostic system for ME was initially based upon the MV pattern alone [5]. In brief, the magnified endoscopic findings of early gastric cancer are (1) the presence of a demarcation line between a lesion and the background mucosa, and (2) the presence of an irregular MV pattern within the lesion [6]. Setting the criteria for cancer as the presence of both ME findings, we previously reported that ME is useful for differentiating between cancerous and noncancerous lesions that are small, flat, or depressed [7]. After incorporating NBI into ME, based on the MV pattern alone, we also reported previously that the sensitivity and the specificity of M-NBI were as high as 95.0 and 96.5%, respectively, for small depressed mucosal lesions when we applied M-NBI after inspection under C-WLI [8]. Let us consider why determination of the MS pattern should be mandatory, even after we have demonstrated that the MV pattern alone is useful for characterizing flat or depressed gastric mucosal lesions by ME. The answer is that we sometimes encounter difficulties in visualizing the subepithelial MV architecture in cases of elevated-type epithelial neoplasia [9]. Accordingly, we established a comprehensive diagnostic system—the VS classification system—involving both the MV and MS patterns, in order to facilitate the diagnosis of neoplasias of all macroscopic K. Yao (&) Department of Endoscopy, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital, 1-1-1 Zokumyoin, Chikushino, Fukuoka 818-8502, Japan e-mail: yao@fukuoka-u.ac.jp

Response Evaluation by Endoscopy, Rebiopsy, and Endoscopic Ultrasound Does Not Accurately Predict Histopathologic Regression After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Esophageal Cancer

To prospectively assess the sensitivity (sens), specificity (spec), positive predictive value (ppv), negative predictive value (npv), and accuracy (acc) for clinical response evaluation by endoscopy, rebiopsy, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to determine histomorphologic regression UICC T-category downstaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. Histomorphologic regression is meanwhile established as objective parameter for response and prognosis after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. Within a prospective observation trial, 80 patients with localized esophageal cancers (cT2-4,Nx,M0) received standardized neoadjuvant chemoradiation (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, 36 Gy) and were resected by transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy and two-field lymphadenectomy. Tumor regression was based on the percentage of vital residual tumor cells and classified in 4 categories as reported previously. Evaluation by endoscopy and EUS was performed based on WHO/UICC criteria before starting chemoradiation and before resection and rebiopsies were taken at the time of re-endoscopy. Histomorphologic response was of significant (log rank) prognostic importance (P < 0.001), whereas clinical response evaluation by endoscopy (P = 0.1), rebiopsy (P = 0.34), and EUS (P = 0.35) was not. The results of the 3 diagnostic modalities to assess histomorphologic regression by endoscopy and rebiopsy UICC ypT-category downstaging for EUS are summarized: Endoscopy: sens 60%, spec 34%, ppv 49%, npv 44%, acc 47%. Rebiopsy: sens 36%, spec 100%, ppv 100%, npv 24%, acc 47%. EUS: sens 7%, spec 79%, ppv 18%, npv 57%, acc 50%. Histomorphologic regression is an objective response parameter of significant prognostic importance. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy, rebiopsy, and EUS is inadequate for objective response evaluation after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and can be omitted for this purpose in the clinical practice.

Colonoscopic and histologic features of colonic Crohn's disease in Chinese patients

An attempt was made to provide a better insight into endoscopic and histological features and to enhance the understanding of the diagnostic value of colonoscopy combined with biopsy for colonic Crohn's disease. As presented in our 27 cases of colonic Crohn's disease (Crohn's colitis), the endoscopic findings and histological changes of biopsy specimens were analyzed. As collated with correspondent results of biopsy and surgical specimens, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was evaluated. Of these patients, 26 involvements of the colon (often combined with other sites of the bowel) were observed (96.3%). However, involvements limited to the colon alone were seen in only four cases (14.8%). Endoscopically, diverse patterns of multi-staged-segmental distributed and multi-sited inflammatory lesions, both destructive and proliferative/regenerative changes were observed in the bowel of the same patient. The diagnostic accuracy of colonoscopy, as confirmed by the histological examination of biopsy and resected specimens, was 66.7%. The major characteristic features of mucosal biopsy were the focal distribution of inflammatory infiltration and lymphoid aggregate. Otherwise, it may include edematous and widened submucosa, deep fissuring ulcers and hyperplasia, fibrosis and granulomas (detected in 30% of the group), among others. The colonic involvement of Crohn's disease was common. Colonoscopy may be valuable in establishing a diagnosis and in assessing the extent and severity of such colonic involvement. Biopsy is helpful to confirm a diagnosis conducted by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy combined with biopsy may replace radiology as the initial test of choice in many clinical situations.

Importance of colonoscopy combined with biopsy in the diagnosis of colonic Crohn's disease

An attempt was made to provide a better insight into endoscopic and histological features and/or problems encountered when establishing a diagnosis of colonic Crohn's disease (Crohn's colitis). As presented in our 27 cases with Crohn's colitis, the endoscopic findings and histological changes of biopsy specimens were summarized. As collated with correspondent results of biopsy and surgical specimens, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was evaluated. twenty-six involvements of the large intestine (combined with other sites of the intestine) was found (96.3%). However, involvement limited to the colon alone was seen in only 4 cases (14.8%). Endoscopically, overlapped lesions with multistaged-segmental distributed and multi-sited diverse patterns (destructive and proliferative/regenerative) of inflammatory changes were observed. Endoscopic accuracy was 66.7%. The characteristic features of mucosal biopsy include focal distribution of the lesions, a thickened and edematous submucosa, deep fissuring ulcers, lymphoid aggregate, and hyperplasia, fibrosis and granulomas (detected in 30% of the group), etc. Colonic involvement of Crohn's disease is common. Colonoscopy may be valuable in establishing the diagnosis and in assessing the extent and severity of colonic involvement, and CDEIS was value in the follow up of patients. Colonoscopic biopsies are helpful for verification of the diagnosis in difficult cases. Colonoscopy has replaced radiology as the initial test of choice in many clinical situations.

A Randomized Prospective Trial Comparing Unsedated Esophagoscopy via Transnasal and Transoral Routes Using a 4-mm Video Endoscope with Conventional Endoscopy with Sedation

Unsedated upper endoscopy is an attractive alternative to conventional sedated endoscopy because it can reduce the cost, complications, and recovery time of the procedure. However, it has not gained widespread acceptance in the United States. A prototype 4-mm-diameter video esophagoscope is available. Our aims were to compare unsedated esophagoscopy using this 4-mm esophagoscope with conventional sedated endoscopy with regard to diagnostic accuracy and patient tolerance, to determine the optimal intubation route (transnasal vs. transoral), and to identify the predictors of tolerance of unsedated endoscopy. Outpatients presenting for conventional endoscopy were randomized to undergo unsedated esophagoscopy by either the transnasal or the transoral route, followed by conventional endoscopy. The diagnostic findings, optical quality, and patient tolerance scores were assessed. A total of 137 patients were approached and 90 (65.6 %) were randomized to undergo esophagoscopy by the transnasal route (n = 44) or by the transoral route (n = 46) before undergoing conventional esophagoscopy. Patient tolerance of unsedated esophagoscopy was comparable to that of conventional endoscopy. The transnasal route was better tolerated than the transoral route, except with respect to pain, and 93.2 % in transnasal group and 91.3 % in transoral group were willing to have the procedure again. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy using the 4-mm video endoscope was similar to that of standard endoscopy. Patients who tolerated the procedure well had lower preprocedure anxiety scores (29 vs. 42.5, P = 0.021) and a higher body mass index (31.5 kg/m2 vs. 28 kg/m2, P = 0.029) than the other patients. Unsedated esophagoscopy with a 4-mm esophagoscope was well tolerated and has a level of diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of conventional endoscopy. Factors associated with good tolerance of unsedated esophagoscopy were low anxiety levels, high body mass index, and use of the transnasal route. Unsedated endoscopy may be offered to a selected group of patients based on these criteria.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in adults: An emerging problem with unique esophageal features

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which there is dense eosinophilic infiltration of the surface lining of the esophagus. Reports of eosinophilic esophagitis pertain almost exclusively to pediatric populations. However, eosinophilic esophagitis is emerging as a clinical affliction of adults. This report describes the clinical and endoscopic findings of eosinophilic esophagitis in the largest cohort of adult patients reported to date. Methods Twenty-nine patients (21 men, 8 women; mean age 35 years) with documented eosinophilic esophagitis (≥15 eosinophils per high-power field in biopsy specimens) and a significant history of chronic dysphagia for solid food (24 patients) were evaluated clinically and endoscopically during a 3-year period (1999–2002). Fourteen patients (48%) had a history of asthma, environmental allergy, or atopy. In a subset of 15 patients, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was compared with that of barium contrast esophagography. Results Twenty-seven patients (93%) had abnormal endoscopic findings; 25 (86%) had unique esophageal structural changes, associated with a preserved mucosal surface, that were highly atypical for acid reflux injury. Structural alterations seen in adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis may occur in combination or as a primary characteristic, e.g., uniform small-caliber esophagus, single or multiple corrugations (rings), proximal esophageal stenosis, or 1 to 2 mm whitish vesicles scattered over the mucosal surface. Barium contrast radiography combined with swallow of a barium-coated marshmallow identified 10 (67%) of the primary features observed endoscopically in 15 patients. However, radiography failed to detect other features noted at endoscopy (e.g., only 3/6 patients with proximal stenosis, 5/9 patients with concentric rings and none of 4 patients with small caliber esophagus). Eight of the 29 patients (20%) had a history of chronic heartburn. Twelve patients had been treated with a proton pump inhibitor and only 3 reported some improvement in the severity of dysphagia. Conclusions Relatively young age, a history of chronic dysphagia for solid food, and endoscopic detection of unique structural alterations atypical for GERD in an adult patient should prompt a suspicion of EE and subsequent biopsy confirmation. Acid reflux appears to have a secondary role in eosinophilic esophagitis. In an uncontrolled comparison, endoscopy was superior to barium contrast radiography for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults appears to be increasing.

Histopathological evaluation of fluorescence bronchoscopy using resected lungs in cases of lung cancer

Objective evaluation of the performance of autofluorescence bronchoscopy based on analysis of thin sections of the bronchus of resected lungs was performed and compared with the results of preoperative autofluorescence bronchoscopy. Conventional bronchoscopy and autofluorescence bronchoscopy were performed prior to surgery for lung cancer. Thin sections of the bronchus were obtained from the resected specimens. The thin sections were pathologically analyzed and the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was calculated. The subjects were 30 consecutive operable lung cancer cases who received white light and autofluorescence bronchoscopy before operation. A total of 163 thin sections of the bronchi in the resected lungs were made. The sensitivity of white light bronchoscopy for cancer was 90 and 31% for dysplasia. The respective figures for autofluorescence bronchoscopy were 97 and 50% for cancer and dysplasia. The specificity of white light and autofluorescence was 88 and 84%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of autofluorescence bronchoscopy was objectively confirmed. Autofluorescence examination showed better sensitivity for cancerous/precancerous lesions and the evaluation of the extent of cancer invasion was accurate.

Endoscopic findings predict the histologic diagnosis in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) of the gastrointestinal tract is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Whether endoscopic findings predict the histologic diagnosis of GvHD in the gastrointestinal tract remains controversial. We performed a study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of macroscopic endoscopy findings in the diagnosis of acute and chronic histologically proven gastrointestinal GvHD (GI-GvHD). Endoscopic images from the intestinal mucosa of post-BMT patients were blindly graded as positive or negative for GI-GvHD and compared with corresponding histological findings, which were used as the gold standard. 44 BMT patients were referred for 96 endoscopic evaluations. Using 162 endoscopy-biopsy pairs, a positive association between endoscopic grading and histologic grading of GI-GvHD (odds ratio [OR] = 11.97, 95% CI 3.86, 37.16) was observed. Endoscopic diagnosis correctly predicted histologic diagnosis in both acute and chronic GI-GvHD (OR = 9.3 vs. 23.1, P = 0.31). The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was high in both acute and chronic histologically proven GI-GvHD. Accurate diagnosis of GI-GvHD might be obtained with mucosal biopsies from either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy may play a significant role in establishing early diagnosis and treatment for GI-GvHD in patients following BMT, but histologic evaluation of the gastrointestinal mucosa is needed to confirm the final diagnosis.

Current diagnosis and selection of patients for treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

The introduction of fiberoptic endoscopy has altered the relative importance of ulcer symptoms in the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. Interestingly, we now realize that 50% of ulcer patients do not have the classical ulcer symptoms and that 25% of peptic ulcers are asymptomatic. Modern forward-viewing endoscopes of small diameter enable precise diagnosis with little discomfort in 95% of all duodenal ulcer patients. A biopsy is only recommended in rare cases (giant ulcers) because the malignancy rate is only 0.024% in duodenal ulcers. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy in detecting gastric ulcer is as high as that for duodenal ulcer, but for this ulcer type it is absolutely necessary to exclude malignancy by obtaining a minimum of six biopsies (four from the ulcer margin and two from the ulcer base), since approximately 10% of all gastric ulcers are actually carcinomas. Whereas in duodenal ulcer repeat endoscopy is seldom necessary, it is mandatory in gastric ulcer since ulcer healing is not proof of a benign ulcer. In experienced hands endoscopy is superior to radiography in duodenal and in gastric ulcer, although there is still a place for radiography as a supplementary investigation or if the patient rejects endoscopy. When selecting patients for treatment of peptic ulcer the following aspects must be considered: natural history of the disease, effectiveness of treatment, and risks and costs of treatment. Treatment goals (relief of symptoms, ulcer healing) can be achieved as far as the acute ulcer is concerned but as yet we have no evidence that we can cure chronic ulcer disease.