| Theme |
Consensus Terminology in Endoscopic Imaging -- Focusing on Image-enhanced Endoscopy |
| Title |
Confocal Endomicroscopy |
| Author |
Yasumasa Niwa |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Ryoji Miyahara |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Masaaki Kurahashi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Toshihiko Nagaya |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kakunori Banno |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Osamu Watanabe |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takafumi Ando |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hiroki Kawashima |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Naoki Ohmiya |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Akihiro Itoh |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoshiki Hirooka |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hidemi Goto |
Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Confocal endomicroscopy is a type of ultra-high magnifying endoscopy providing histological observation at about 450 times magnification rates during ongoing endoscopy. We were able to observe both the surface and the subsurface of cellular and microvessel structures at a depth of from 0 to 250 mum below the surface layer. Although there is a potential risk of allergic reactions with fluorescein sodium, we were able to diagnose malignancies by observing structural atypia and irregular microvessels. However, we could not visualize the nuclei cells through venous administration of the fluorescent agent. We were able to diagnose malignant lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and colon using confocal endomicroscopy. In European countries this new form of endoscopy has been used to observe malignant lesions which have developed from Barrett's esophagus and ulcerative colitis reducing the number of biopsies. The European researchers also reported they had observed Helicobacter pylori in vivo, as well as collagenous colitis during endoscopies, which had not been possible before. Confocal endomicroscopy promises great potential for detecting extra-GI tract lesions. Those present in the liver or pancreas may be observed through laparoscopy or NOTES or with molecular image binding fluorescent agents to detect malignant cell antibodies, as well as other anomalies and so on. |