Intrapapillary Capillary Loops Research Articles

A study on the intrapapillary capillary loop detected by narrow band imaging system in early oral squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of narrow band imaging (NBI) by analyzing three-dimensional (3D) images of intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) and recording changes over time. MethodsThis study was conducted between April 2007 and October 2011 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Tokyo Dental College Chiba Hospital. A total of 119 cases and 40 healthy volunteers were observed with NBI. Within a total of 119 cases oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was diagnosed in 48 cases (40%), leukoplakia in 26 cases (22%), oral lichen planus in 18 cases (15%), gingivitis in 5 cases (4%), aphtha in 4 cases (3.5%), ulcer in 4 cases (3.5%), erythroplakia in 3 cases (2.5%), pigmentation in 3 cases (2.5%), and other diseases in 8 cases (7%). The 40 healthy volunteers were medically examined at the regions of the gingiva, lower lip, buccal mucosa, oral floor, lateral border of the tongue, and dorsal surface of the tongue. ResultsMorphological changes of IPCL were analyzed through the construction of 3D images. The dimension, volume and density of vascular vessel were compared between OSCC, dysplasia and normal mucosa. Abnormal vascular vessels were apparent in cases of dysplasia and OSCC when examined through magnifying endoscopy with NBI. Morphological changes of IPCL such as dilation, aggregation and thickness increasing observed by NBI were certified through 3D imaging. ConclusionsThese results suggest that NBI is an effective method for the early detection of OSCC.

Commentaire du travail de Sato H et al., pp. 122

See also: Utility of intrapapillary capillary loops seen on magnifying narrow-band imaging in estimating invasive depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinomaEndoscopy 2015; 47(02): 122-128DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1390858

Utility of intrapapillary capillary loops seen on magnifying narrow-band imaging in estimating invasive depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) have been used to estimate histopathological atypia and the invasion depth of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of IPCLs. A total of 358 consecutive patients with esophageal neoplasia on magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) were studied. The lesions were categorized according to the IPCL classification of Inoue et al. and were subsequently resected. Resected specimens were histopathologically analyzed to determine the invasion depth. The inter- and intraobserver agreements in the interpretation of IPCL images were also investigated. A total of 446 lesions were diagnosed on M-NBI as IPCL type V lesions, which were further classified as 185 IPCL type V1, 109 type V2, 104 type V3, and 48 type Vn. Sensitivity and specificity of IPCL type V1-2 for invasion confined to the epithelium or lamina propria mucosa (m1-2) were 89.5 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 85.4 % - 92.7 %) and 79.6 % (95 %CI 72.3 % - 85.7 %), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of IPCL type V3 for invasion confined to the muscularis mucosa or slight submucosal invasion (m3-sm1) were 58.7 % and 83.8 %, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of IPCL type Vn for deeper invasion (sm2-3) were 55.8 % and 98.6 %, respectively. Interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.609, 0.641, and 0.705), as was intraobserver agreement (κ = 0.705 and κ = 0.819). Changes in the morphology of IPCLs on M-NBI correlated with the depth of SCC invasion, and results were reproducible and reliable among observers. Identification of IPCL type V1-2 proved useful for the intraprocedural identification of m1-2 lesions, which are considered an absolute indication for endoscopic resection.

OI0306 Does narrow band imaging add value in oral medicine?

The study of angiogenesis, an early and key event in carcinogenesis, could improve early detection of malignant/premalignant oral lesions. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an optical technique that is used both to perform objective examination of the oral cavity, with the aid of different grades of magnification, and to visualize intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) through a 415-nm light source. The aim of this study was (1) to define the sensitivity and specificity of NBI in detecting dysplastic and neoplastic lesions and (2) to evaluate its learning curve.

Present and future status of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement and blue laser imaging technology

The usefulness of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) has been reported for evaluating the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine. Higher contrast is shown between cancer and the surrounding mucosa in the esophagus and stomach and may facilitate the detection of gastric cancers missed by white light imaging alone. The surface patterns of gastric mucosa are clearly visualized in non-malignant areas but are irregular and blurred in malignant areas, leading to clear demarcation. Capsule endoscopy with FICE detects angiodysplasia and erosions of the small intestine. The surface and vascular pattern with FICE is useful for the differential diagnosis of colorectal polyps. However, FICE remains somewhat poor at visualizing mucosal microvasculature on a tumor surface. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is dark in observing whole gastric mucosa and poor at visualizing mucosal microstructure. Blue laser imaging (BLI) has the potential to resolve these limitations. Narrow-band laser light combined with white light shows irregular microvessels on both differentiated and undifferentiated gastric cancer similar to those using NBI. In addition, irregular surface patterns including minute white zones are clearly seen on the uneven surface of differentiated lesions, resulting in exclusion of undifferentiated lesions. Using both distant and close-up views, a high contrast between green intestinal metaplasia and brown gastric cancer may lead to early detection of gastric cancers and determination of a demarcation line. BLI produces high-contrast images in esophageal cancer with clear vision of intrapapillary capillary loops and also predicts the histopathological diagnosis and depth of invasion in colorectal neoplasms.

An Esophageal Collision Tumor

A 62-year-old alcoholic man with a 20-year history of type I diabetes mellitus was referred to our hospital for an asymptomatic esophageal lesion. The endoscopic biopsy had provisionally identified the tumor as an adenosquamous carcinoma of the midesophagus. The patient had also been a heavy smoker for 40 years. An esophagogastroscopy revealed a type 0-IIa+IIc lesion accompanied by negative iodine-dye staining (Figure A). Magnified narrow band imaging indicated a VN pit-pattern of intrapapillary capillary loop (Figure B).

Microvascular caliber changes in intramucosal and submucosally invasive esophageal cancer

Intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) show distinct pattern changes corresponding to tumor progression and depth of invasion, important for in vivo characterization of superficial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We examined the relation between invasion depth and histopathologic IPCL diameter. Prospectively, before lesion resection, magnification endoscopy and narrow band imaging were used to identify IPCL patterns of type V1 (corresponding to tumors limited to the mucosa; 10 patients) and type Vn (submucosally invading tumors; 10 patients). Post-resection, IPCL samples (type I [normal mucosa], n = 103; V1, n = 113; Vn, n = 100) were stained with hematoxylin & eosin, CD34, and desmin, and vessel diameter measured using light microscopy. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) histopathologic calibers of IPCLs of types I, V1, and Vn were significantly different, being 7.7 (2.8) µm, 21.9 (7.4) µm, and 65.2 (22.9) µm; type 1 vs. V1, P < 0.001; V1 vs. Vn, P < 0.001. Magnification endoscopy observation of IPCLs allows in vivo discrimination between intramucosal and submucosally invasive cancer.

Clinicopathological features of narrow-band imaging endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms

To reveal clinicopathological features of narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms. If a lesion diameter was smaller or same compared with a width of closed biopsy forceps, a lesion was defined to be an ultraminute lesion. Twenty-five consecutive patients with 33 ultraminute esophageal lesions that were removed by endoscopic mucosal resection were included in the present study. We conducted two questionnaire surveys of six endoscopists by their retrospective review of endoscopic still images. The six endoscopists evaluated the endoscopic findings of the ultraminute lesions on still images taken by conventional white-light imaging endoscopy and non-magnified NBI endoscopy in the first questionnaire, and taken by magnified NBI endoscopy in the second questionnaire. An experienced pathologist who was unaware of any endoscopic findings made histological diagnosis and evaluated immunoexpression of p53 and Ki67. The 33 ultraminute lesions were all determined to be either 11 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias (HGIENs) or 22 low-grade intraepithelial neoplasias (LGIENs). The tumor diameters were histologically confirmed to be <3 mm. All of the ultraminute tumors were visualized as unstained areas and brownish areas by real-time endoscopy with Lugol dye staining and non-magnified NBI endoscopy, respectively. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as brownish areas by real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. Three of the 25 patients with the ultraminute IENs (12%) had multiple brownish areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as unstained areas by real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. Twenty of the 25 patients (80%) had multiple unstained areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. The first questionnaire survey revealed that a significantly higher detection rate of the ultraminute IENs on non-magnified NBI endoscopy images compared with conventional white-light imaging endoscopy ones (100% vs. 72%, respectively: P < 0.0001). The second questionnaire survey revealed that presence rates of any magnified NBI endoscopy findings were not significantly different between HGIENs and LGIENs. Proliferation, dilation, and various shapes of intrapapillary capillary loops indicated remarkably high presence rates of more than 90% in both HGIENs and LGIENs. Six of 22 LGIENs (27%) and 3 of 11 HGIENs (27%) show a positive expression for p53. None of peri-IEN epithelia was positive for p53. A mean of Ki67 labeling index of LGIENs was 33% and that of HGIENs 36%. Ki67 labeling index was significantly greater in the LGIENs and HGIENs compared with that in the peri-IEN epithelia. There were no significant differences in p53 expression and Ki67 labeling index between the HGIENs and LGIENs. Non-magnified/magnified NBI endoscopy could facilitate visualization and characterization of ultraminute esophageal squamous IENs. The ultraminute HGIENs and LGIENs might have comparable features of magnified NBI endoscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Investigation of relationships among gastroesophageal reflux disease subtypes using narrow band imaging magnifying endoscopy

To investigate the relationships among subtypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using narrow band imaging (NBI) magnifying endoscopy. A reflux disease questionnaire was used to screen 120 patients representing the three subtypes of GERD (n = 40 for each subtypes): nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux esophagitis (RE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE). NBI magnifying endoscopic procedure was performed on the patients as well as on 40 healthy controls. The demographic and clinical characteristics, and NBI magnifying endoscopic features, were recorded and compared among the groups. Targeted biopsy and histopathological examination were conducted if there were any abnormalities. SPSS 18.0 software was used for all statistical analysis. Compared with healthy controls, a significantly higher proportion of GERD patients had increased number of intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) (78.3% vs 20%, P < 0.05), presence of microerosions (41.7% vs 0%, P < 0.05), and a non-round pit pattern below the squamocolumnar junction (88.3% vs 30%, P < 0.05). The maximum (228 ± 4.8 vs 144 ± 4.7, P < 0.05), minimum (171 ± 3.8 vs 103 ± 4.4, P < 0.05), and average (199 ± 3.9 vs 119 ± 3.9, P < 0.05) numbers of IPCLs/field were also significantly greater in GERD patients. However, comparison among groups of the three subtypes showed no significant differences or any linear trend, except that microerosions were present in 60% of the RE patients, but in only 35% and 30% of the NERD and BE patients, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients with GERD, irrespective of subtype, have similar micro changes in the distal esophagus. The three forms of the disease are probably independent of each other.

Surface maturation scoring for oesophageal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia: a novel diagnostic approach inspired by first endomicroscopic 3-dimensional reconstruction

ObjectiveLoss of surface maturation and cytonuclear atypia have been regarded as the pathological ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of oesophageal squamous cell intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there has been no satisfactory...

Sa1610 Clinical Impact of Background Coloration (BC) Between IPCLs in Differentiating Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. What Makes the Color Change?

It has been reported that alteration of intra-papillary capillary loop (IPCL) is important in detecting early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Also, brownish color change in the epithelia between each IPCL that we call “background coloration (BC)” has recently reported as an additional finding to differentiate SCC from non-neoplastic lesion. However, the cause of this phenomenon has not been identified. We applied anti-human Hemoglobin(Hb) antibody immuno-staining for both SCC and non-neoplastic lesions in order to illuminate the reason why cancer lesion can be positive for NBI, which is a specific wave length of Hb.

Microalterations of Esophagus in Patients With Non-Erosive Reflux Disease: In-Vivo Diagnosis by Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy and Its Relationship With Gastroesophageal Reflux

Objectively diagnosing non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is still a challenge. We aimed to evaluate the use of in-vivo confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) to examine the microalterations of the esophagus in patients with NERD and its relationship with reflux episodes monitored by multiple intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH). Patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms completed reflux disease questionnaires. NERD was determined by negative gastroscopy. Patients without reflux symptoms were recruited as controls. Pilot clinical study was followed by prospective controlled blinded study. All subjects were examined by white-light mode of the endoscopy followed by the standard CLE mode and then MII-pH monitoring. The microalterations seen on CLE images and the correlation between CLE features and reflux episodes were evaluated, the correlation between CLE and transmission electron microscope (TEM) data was also analyzed. On CLE images, NERD patients had more intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) per image than did controls (8.29 ± 3.52 vs. 5.69 ± 2.31, P=0.010), as well as the diameter of IPCLs (19.48 ± 3.13 vs. 15.87 ± 2.21 μm, P=0.041) and intercellular spaces of squamous cells (3.40 ± 0.82 vs. 1.90 ± 0.53 μm, P=0.042). The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that IPCLs number (optimal cutoff >6 per image, area under the curve (AUC) 0.722, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.592-0.853, sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 71.6%), IPCLs diameter (optimal cutoff >17.2 μm, AUC 0.847, 95% CI 0.747-0.947, sensitivity 81%, specificity 76%), and the intercellular spaces of squamous cells (optimal cutoff >2.40 μm, AUC 0.935, 95% CI 0.875-0.995, sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 90.5%) diagnosed NERD with reasonable accuracy. Combined features of dilatation of intercellular space plus increased IPCLs provided 100% specificity in the diagnosis of NERD patients. The intercellular spaces of squamous cells observed on CLE were highly related to that on TEM findings (r=0.75, P<0.001). Multivariate progressive regression analysis showed that acidic reflux, especially in the supine position, was related to the increased number and dilation of IPCLs in the squamous epithelium (β=0.063, t=2.895, P=0.038 and β=0.156, t=1.023, P=0.04). CLE represents a useful and potentially significant improvement over standard endoscopy to examine the microalterations of the esophagus in vivo. Acidic reflux is responsible for the microalterations in the esophagus of patients with NERD.

Effect of acid-suppressive therapy on narrow band imaging findings in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study

Standard endoscopy is an insensitive test for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy enhances visualization of the distal esophagus. NBI patterns like intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) dilatation, tortuosity, and increased number; microerosions; increased vascularity at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ); ridge-villous pattern below the SCJ; and presence of columnar islands in the distal esophagus have been suggested as features of GERD. We evaluated the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on NBI findings in GERD patients. Patients prospectively underwent NBI upper endoscopy before and after PPI therapy. NBI findings were recorded at each endoscopy. Twenty-one patients with GERD symptoms (mean age 60.0 years; males 90.5%; white 90.5%) were studied. After PPI therapy, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with the following NBI features: IPCL tortuosity (90% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.0001), dilated IPCLs (86% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.0001), and increased vascularity at the SCJ (43% vs. 9.5%, P= 0.0082). PPI led to healing of all microerosions (71% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001) and disappearance of ridge-villous patterns below the SCJ (14% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the proportion of patients with increased numbers of IPCLs pre- and post-PPI therapy (71% vs. 48%, P= 0.09) or columnar islands in the distal esophagus (38% vs. 29%, P= 0.31). In patients with GERD symptoms, NBI features suggestive of GERD respond to PPI; suggesting these features are truly acid-mediated. These findings need to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.

Narrow-Band Imaging&lt;subtitle&gt;A Novel Screening Tool for Early Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma&lt;/subtitle&gt;

To compare the real-time diagnostic accuracy of conventional white-light imaging (WLI) endoscopy with that of narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy in patients at high risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Prospective study. A university tertiary care center. From July 28 through October 27, 2009, a total of 211 consecutive patients at high risk for NPC were enrolled. A high-performance endoscopic system equipped with WLI and NBI modes was used for a detailed examination of the nasopharynx during the same endoscopy. Diagnostic efficacies of WLI and NBI were compared with pathologic findings. Lesions were classified according to the detailed morphologic epithelial microvessel observations during NBI. A total of 285 lesions were detected, including 66 cancerous lesions. The sensitivity and negative predictive values of NBI in NPC screening were significantly higher than those of WLI (93.9% vs 71.2%, P=.001; and 98.1% vs 91.7%, P=.003; respectively); specificity and positive predictive value were not significantly different. During NBI, the presence of superficial, distorted, irregularly shaped microvessels indicated malignant lesions; 53 of 55 lesions (96.4%) with type IV intrapapillary capillary loops were confirmed on histologic testing as malignant. The false-negative and false-positive rates for NBI were 4.5% and 3.6%, respectively. Narrow-band imaging endoscopy is a promising tool to differentiate nonmalignant from malignant nasopharyngeal lesions on the basis of the morphologic findings of mucosal capillary vessels in vivo. In addition, NBI may increase the diagnostic value of endoscopy in populations at high risk for NPC.

Usefulness of Background Coloration in Detection of Esophago-Pharyngeal Lesions Using NBI Magnification

Background and Aim. We evaluated the usefulness of background coloration (BC), a color change in the area between intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) in the early esophago-pharyngeal lesions using NBI with magnificaiton. Methods. Between April 2004 and March 2010, a total of 294 esophago-pharyngeal lesions were examined using NBI with magnification, and the presence of BC and IPCL patterns were assessed. Using BC, discrimination of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or high-grade neoplasia (HGN) from low-grade neoplasia (LGN) or nonatypia was conducted. Results. Among 294 lesions, 209 lesions (71.1%) were positive for BC, while 85 (28.9%) were negative. In the BC-positive group, 187 lesions (89.5%) were diagnosed as SCC/HGN. And 68 lesions (80.0%) in the BC-negative group were diagnosed as LGN/nonatypia. Overall accuracy of BC to discriminate SCC/HGN from LGN/nonatypia was 87.3%. The sensitivity and specificity were 91.9%, 76.7%. BC could discriminate SCC/HGN from LGN/nonatypia accurately (P < 0.0001). Among 68 lesions classified into the IPCL type IV, the BC-positive group (n = 26) included 21 SCC/HGN lesions, while there were 36 LGN/nonatypia lesions in the 42 BC-negative lesions. Conclusions. BC is a useful finding in differentiating SCC/HGN from LGN/nonatypia lesions in the esophagus especially when it is combined with IPCL pattern classification.

Clinicopathological features of minute pharyngeal lesions diagnosed by narrow-band imaging endoscopy and biopsy

To evaluate the utility of magnified narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy for diagnosing and treating minute pharyngeal neoplasia. Magnified NBI gastrointestinal examinations were performed by the first author. A magnification hood was attached to the tip of the endoscope for quick focusing. Most of the examinations were performed under sedation. Magnified NBI examinations were performed for all of the pharyngeal lesions that had noticeable brownish areas under unmagnified NBI observation, and an intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) classification was made. A total of 93 consecutive pharyngeal lesions were diagnosed as IPCL type IV and were suspected to represent dysplasia. Sixty-two lesions of approximately 1 mm in diameter were biopsied in the clinic, and 17 lesions with larger diameters were resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at the Hiroshima University Hospital. In addition to the histological diagnoses, the lesion diameters were microscopically measured in 45 of the 62 biopsies. Thirty-four of the 62 biopsied patients received endoscopic follow up. Minute pharyngeal lesions were diagnosed in 93 of approximately 3000 patients receiving magnified NBI examinations at the clinic. Of the 93 patients with IPCL type IV lesions, 80 were men, and 13 were women. Fifty-six were drinkers, and 57 were smokers. Two had esophageal cancer. Twenty-one lesions were located on the posterior hypopharyngeal wall, and 72 lesions were located on the posterior oropharyngeal wall. All 93 lesions were flat and showed similar findings in the magnified and unmagnified NBI examinations. Although almost all of the IPCL type IV lesions showed faint redness when examined under white light, it was difficult to diagnose the lesions using only this technique because the contrast was weaker than that achieved in the NBI examinations. Of the 93 lesions, only 3 had diameters greater than 2.1 mm. Sixty-two lesions of approximately 1 mm were biopsied in the clinic, whereas 17 larger lesions were treated by ESD at the Hiroshima University Hospital. Of the 79 pharyngeal lesions that were biopsied or resected by ESD, 5 were histologically diagnosed as high-grade dysplasia, 39 were diagnosed as low-grade dysplasia, and 39 were determined to be non-dysplastic lesions. There were no cancerous lesions. Histologically, abnormal cell size variations and increased nuclear size were observed in all of the high-grade dysplasia lesions, while the incidence of these findings in the low-grade dysplasia lesions was low. Of the 62 biopsied lesions, 45 were microscopically measurable. The measured diameters ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 mm. The dysplasia ratios increased with the diameters. A follow-up endoscopic examination of the 34 biopsied patients found the rate of complete resection by biopsy to be 79%. The largest lesion in which complete resection was expected was a low-grade dysplasia of 1.9 mm in diameter. Minute pharyngeal lesions suspected to be dysplasia that are identified by NBI magnifying endoscopy should be biopsied to determine the diagnosis and further treatment.

The Usefulness of Magnifying Endoscopy and Narrow-Band Imaging in Measuring the Depth of Invasion before Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

With the widespread application of endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasms, accurate determination of the invasion depth prior to intervention has become an indispensable part of treatment planning. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a novel endoscopic technique that may enhance the accuracy of diagnosis. Magnifying endoscopy with NBI has been shown to be effective for determining invasion depth for intrapapillary capillary loop classification of esophageal cancer and microvascular pattern of stomach cancer. Such precise pre-treatment staging of early neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract warrants timely initiation of disease-tailored treatment and, ultimately, better quality of life and improved patient survival.

BENEFICIAL USE OF MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY WITH NARROW‐BAND IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSING A PATIENT WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ANAL CANAL

The patient was a 74-year-old woman. She visited a dermatology clinic with a complaint of discomfort in the anal region. Erosion was observed in the anal region, and biopsies were performed. She was diagnosed with Bowen's disease and was referred to the dermatology department of our hospital for treatment. At our department, an endoscopic examination was performed for assessing the extent of Bowen's disease in the rectum. A retroflexed view of the anal canal revealed a slightly raised lesion with a faded color and an irregular surface. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) revealed a whitish lesion with a relatively clear margin and brown dots on the inside. Magnifying endoscopy with NBI revealed abnormal microvessels with dilatation, tortuosity, caliber change and various shapes, which were quite similar to the intrapapillary capillary loop patterns of superficial esophageal cancer. A complete transanal resection of the anal mucosa was performed thereafter. The patient was diagnosed with a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of a pathological examination. An early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of anal canal cancer. In this regard, magnifying endoscopy with NBI may be useful for determining the presence and extent of anal canal cancer.

Observation on the clinical value of IPCL in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective To explore the value of the morphological examination of intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) in diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nursing intervention. Methods 20NERD, 20 erosive esophagi (EE) and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, they were assessed with 24 hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring and pattern of IPCL which observed by magnifying endoscopy in narrow band imaging (NBI) mode, combined with nursing intervention at the same time. Results Patients receives endoscopic examination successfully. The positive rate of 24 hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring was 55% and 90% in the NERD patients and the EE patients, the healthy volunteers were negative. NERD patients were statistically lower than EE patients (P ＜ 0. 05), magnifying endoscopy in narrow band imaging (NBI). Esophageal IPCL showed the regular curl type and small spiral type under the magnifying endoscopy,85.0% sharp of esophageal IPCL in NERD group and 100% in EF group was type Ⅱ, but it still regularly arranged, there was statistically significant difference (X2 = 19.61,30. 00, P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusions The specific morphological changes of IPCL are useful to the endoscopic diagnosis of GERD. High quality nursing intervention is important to endoscopy. Key words: Gastroesophageal reflux; Non-erosive reflux disease; Magnifying endoscopy; Intraepithelial papillary capillary loop(IPCL)

Performance of Narrow Band Imaging and Magnification Endoscopy in the Prediction of Therapeutic Response in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Imaging-enhanced endoscopy enhances the contrast of the mucosal surface and helps in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, whether the increased detection of subtle erosive foci corresponds to the effect of acid suppression remains elusive. We aim to evaluate the utility of narrow band imaging with and without magnification endoscopy in the prediction of therapeutic response in patients with reflux. Endoscopic evaluation with conventional white light, narrow band imaging, and narrow band imaging with magnification was performed sequentially in consecutive patients with reflux. All patients received proton pump inhibitor for 14 days. Their therapeutic responses were correlated with the baseline endoscopic findings, including mucosal breaks under standard endoscopy, mucosal brownish changes under narrow band imaging, and increased and/or dilated intrapapillary capillary loops or microerosions under narrow band imaging with magnification. Of a total of 82 patients, 22 (26.8%) patients were diagnosed with erosive disease under standard endoscopy. Among the remaining 60 (73.2%) patients, 14 (23.3%) and 30 (50%) were considered erosive under narrow band imaging and narrow band imaging with magnification, respectively. Sixty-five (79.3%) patients showed a positive therapeutic response. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in predicting therapeutic response were 33.8%, 100%, 100%, 28.3%, and 47.6%, respectively, for standard endoscopy; 52.3%, 88.2%, 94.4%, 32.6%, and 59.8%, respectively, for narrow band imaging; and 70.8%, 64.7%, 88.4%, 36.6%, and 69.5%, respectively, for narrow band imaging with magnification. Narrow band imaging with and without magnification endoscopy substantially improve our ability to predict therapeutic response in patients with gastroesophageal reflux.