Original Article Open Access
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 14, 2009; 15(42): 5266-5273
Published online Nov 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.5266
Validation of Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy with high definition endoscopes in colonoscopy
Adolfo Parra-Blanco, David Nicolás-Pérez, Antonio Z Gimeno-García, Marta Carrillo-Palau, Enrique Quintero, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of the Canary Islands, c/ Ofra s/n, La Laguna 38320, Tenerife, Spain
Adolfo Parra-Blanco, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Celestino Villamil s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
Alejandro Jiménez, Research Unit, University Hospital of the Canary Islands, c/ Ofra s/n, La Laguna 38320, Tenerife, Spain
Björn Rembacken, Centre for Digestive Diseases, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX, United Kingdom
Nicolás González, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Montevideo, Avda. Italia s/n, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
Takahisa Matsuda, Division of Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Author contributions: Parra-Blanco A designed the research; Parra-Blanco A, Jiménez A, González N, Nicolás-Pérez D, Gimeno-García AZ, Carrillo-Palau M, Matsuda T and Quintero E performed the research; Parra-Blanco A, Jiménez A and Quintero E analyzed the data; the manuscript was drafted by Parra-Blanco A, González N, Rembacken B, and Quintero E; and all authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Consejería de Educación, Cultura y Deportes, Gobierno de Canarias PI2002/138, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III C03/02
Correspondence to: Adolfo Parra-Blanco, MD, PhD, Head of the Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Celestino Villamil s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain. parrablanco@hotmail.com
Telephone: +34-985-108000 Fax: +34-985-273614
Received: August 14, 2009
Revised: September 21, 2009
Accepted: September 28, 2009
Published online: November 14, 2009

Abstract

AIM: To validate high definition endoscopes with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy (FICE) in colonoscopy.

METHODS: The image quality of normal white light endoscopy (WLE), that of the 10 available FICE filters and that of a gold standard (0.2% indigo carmine dye) were compared.

RESULTS: FICE-filter 4 [red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelengths of 520, 500, and 405 nm, respectively] provided the best images for evaluating the vascular pattern compared to white light. The mucosal surface was best assessed using filter 4. However, the views obtained were not rated significantly better than those observed with white light. The “gold standard”, indigo carmine (IC) dye, was found to be superior to both white light and filter 4. Filter 6 (RGB wavelengths of 580, 520, and 460 nm, respectively) allowed for exploration of the IC-stained mucosa. When assessing mucosal polyps, both FICE with magnification, and magnification following dye spraying were superior to the same techniques without magnification and to white light imaging. In the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation, observation with the FICE mode was possible, and endoscopists considered it to be superior to observation with white light.

CONCLUSION: FICE-filter 4 with magnification improves the image quality of the colonic vascular patterns obtained with WLE.

Key Words: Colonoscopy; Computed virtual chromoendoscopy; Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy; Magnifying colonoscopy; Polyp diagnosis



INTRODUCTION
Table 1 Spectral specification of each FICE filter estimation set with assignments to the color channels.
Blue (B) channelGreen (G) channelRed (R) channel
0500445415
1500470420
2550500470
3540490420
4520500405
5500480420
6580520460
7520450400
8540415415
9550500400
Figure 1
Figure 1 Presentation of a sequence of images for the different diagnostic modalities corresponding to a case included in study two (histopathological diagnosis: tubular adenoma with mild dysplasia). A: Circumscribed erythema with loss of vascular pattern, which can be difficult to detect; B: Observation with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy (FICE) 4. Note that the innominate grooves can be seen in the normal surrounding mucosa; C: Observation under 0.5% indigo carmine (IC), which reveals a 0-IIc depressed lesion 3 mm in size; D: High magnification view, showing vascular pattern type Sano II; E: Same magnification image observed under FICE 4, which provides enhanced vascular contrast; F: Under 0.5% IC plus magnification, the depression and the vascular patterns are evident.
Table 2 Individual scores for mucosal and vascular patterns with conventional imaging, indigo carmine, and FICE with each of the 10 filters.
Type of endoscopyEndoscopist 1
Endoscopist 2
Mucosal patternVascular patternSum scorenMucosal patternVascular patternSum scoren
Without FICE
Conv1235443821406138
Indigo59-592059-5920
FICE
062026388233138
1832403815334838
21342553820507038
31443573817486538
41545603825497438
51132433819385738
61138493719527137
71028383814344838
81130413815304538
91444583818486638
Figure 2
Figure 2 Images corresponding to the first study examining the evaluation of the vascular pattern without magnification. A: Plain endoscopy; B: Filter 0; C: Filter 1; D: Filter 2; E: Filter 3; F: Filter 4; G: Filter 5; H: Filter 6; I: Filter 7; J: Filter 8; K: Filter 9.
Table 3 Accuracy of prediction of histopathological diagnosis among the five endoscopists with the different techniques applied n (%).
Endoscopists1 (n = 19)2 (n = 19)3 (n = 19)4 (n = 19)5 (n = 19)Global (n = 95)
Conv9 (47.4)13 (68.4)12 (63.1)10 (52.6)10 (52.6)54 (56.8)
Conv-M12 (63.1)12 (63.1)14 (73.7)6 (31.6)9 (47.4)53 (55.8)
FICE10 (52.6)11 (57.9)12 (63.1)13 (68.4)10 (52.6)56 (58.9)
FICE-M15 (78.9)14 (73.7)15 (78.9)11 (57.9)12 (63.1)67 (70.5)
Indigo15 (78.9)15 (78.9)15 (78.9)10 (52.6)12 (63.1)67 (70.5)
Indigo-M17 (89.4)16 (84.2)15 (78.9)13 (68.4)12 (63.1)73 (76.8)
Mean percentage77.985.387.366.368.4
Figure 3
Figure 3 Degree of certainty in the endoscopic diagnosis for all participating endoscopists with the six diagnostic modalities employed, when endoscopic images were sequentially shown for each case (mean ± SD). INDIGO-MAG: Indigo carmine plus magnification; FICE-MAG: FICE plus magnification; CONV-MAG: Conventional imaging plus magnification; CONV: Conventional.
Table 4 Evaluation of image quality of FICE-4 as compared to conventional WLE in the presence of remaining liquid or solid fecal content.
EndoscopistsQuality
Fecal content
FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1
187.512.5087.512.50
293.86.2010000
328.671.4057.142.90
487.512.5010000
587.512.50< 0.00193.86.20
Global mean77.0< 0.00187.7< 0.001
Figure 4
Figure 4 Observation of the colonic mucosa in the presence of remaining stool particles. A: Plain endoscopy; B: FICE 4.
Table 5 Comparison of the observation quality of the margins and surfaces of the polyps with FICE vs conventional WLE.
EndoscopistsMargin
Surface
FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1
173.326.7073.326.70
275.025.0043.856.30
313.380.06.768.825.06.2
468.825.06.231.368.80
581.318.8087.512.50
Global mean62.30.0260.90.013
Figure 5
Figure 5 Sequence of images shown for the evaluation of mucosal contrast, in a 0-IIa flat elevated lesion, 3 mm in maximum diameter (histopathological diagnosis: tubular adenoma with mild dysplasia). A: Plain endoscopy plus magnification; B: FICE 4 plus magnification; C: 0.5% IC plus magnification.
Table 6 Comparison of the observation quality of the margins and surfaces of the polyps with FICE vs IC.
EndoscopistsMargin
Surface
FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1FICE better (%)FICE equal (%)FICE worse (%)P1
1020.080.06.713.380.0
205050.0025.075.0
3031.368.8025.075.0
450.025.025.0068.831.3
5050.050.0018.881.3
Global mean35.3< 0.00130.2< 0.001
Figure 6
Figure 6 A flat elevated tubular adenoma, shown for the evaluation of FICE 6 plus IC. A: 0.5% IC plus magnification; B: 0.5% IC plus magnification plus FICE 6.
Table 7 Comparison of the observation quality of the polyps with FICE-6 + IC vs IC.
EndoscopistsQuality
FICE-6 + IC better (%)FICE-6 + IC equal (%)FICE-6 + IC worse (%)P1
153.846.20
261.530.87.7
330.869.20
430.869.20
569.230.80
Global mean49.20.37

Chromoendoscopy has been proven to be a valuable tool for the study of colorectal neoplasia. Indigo carmine (IC) can be used with conventional endoscopy[1] or with magnifying colonoscopy[2-5].

Endoscopy manufacturers have developed artificial image enhancements, including “virtual chromoendoscopy”, as a quicker and less messy alternative to dye spraying. The Olympus narrow band imaging (NBI) system employs a narrow band light to increase the contrast. This has been shown to enhance the views, and it provides similar diagnostic accuracy to chromoendoscopy[4-6]. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy (Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy, FICE) was subsequently developed[7]; with this technique, the wavelength does not change. Instead, the endoscopy processor reconstructs the image and displays what the mucosa would look like if illuminated using a certain wavelength. FICE has 10 pre-programmed settings, some of which have been tested in the upper gastrointestinal tract[7] and in Barrett’s mucosa[8]. In a third preliminary study, we used one of the FICE settings to compare detection of colonic polyps with white light endoscopy (WLE)[9]. However, this study did not compare the views obtained using different FICE settings and did not comment on the capabilities in the presence of suboptimal bowel cleansing or after the application of indigo carmine dye. Our study aimed to: (1) systematically compare the 10 pre-set FICE settings with normal white light and indigo carmine dye in terms of their ability to enhance views of normal mucosa and polyps, (2) assess FICE in the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation, (3) determine whether poor bowel preparation markedly degrades the capabilities of “virtual chromoendoscopy” systems[10].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High definition magnification colonoscopes (EC-590ZW/M), and the Fujinon EPX-4400 medical video endoscope system were used in the study.

The quality of mucosal and vascular pattern views

In study one, 560 areas of normal colonic mucosa in 10 patients were observed in real time by two experienced endoscopists (Parra-Blanco A and González N), who assessed the quality of mucosal and vascular pattern views. The views were obtained with white light, 0.5% indigo carmine dye, and the different FICE settings (Table 1) both with and without magnification (× 100). The quality of the mucosal views was scored according to the following scale: 0 (poor), 1 (fair), 2 (good), and 3 (excellent). Each endoscopist was blinded to the other endoscopist’s assessments.

Diagnostic accuracy

In study two, 114 pictures were taken of 19 mucosal polyps (14 tubular adenomas, 4 hyperplastic polyps, and 1 normal mucosa). The pictures were obtained with white light, 0.5% indigo carmine (IC) dye, and the highest rated FICE settings according to study one (FICE setting 4), both with and without magnification (× 100). Polyp size and shape were estimated by comparison with closed biopsy forceps (Radial Jaw 3, Boston Scientific Corporation). The mean size of the polyps was 2.8 mm (range 1-5 mm). Figure 1 illustrates the sequence of images corresponding to one of the cases.

A panel of 5 fully trained endoscopists was asked to classify each lesion into one of the following categories: benign (for types I and II crypt patterns), neoplastic (types III and IV crypts), and invasive (type V pattern)[11]. For the assessment of the capillary pattern, Sano’s classification was used[10]. The panel members were asked to grade the degree of certainty in the prediction according to the following scale: (1) very uncertain, (2) uncertain, (3) reasonably certain, (4) absolutely certain.

The feasibility of FICE colonoscopy in the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation

In study three, the feasibility of FICE colonoscopy in the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation was evaluated. Images from 17 colonic areas with small or moderate amounts of liquid or solid stools were recorded, both with the conventional view and with FICE setting 4. The panel of endoscopists rated: (a) the image quality of FICE setting 4 as superior, equal, or inferior to that of WLE; (b) the ability of FICE-4 to trace the fecal contents as compared to WLE (superior, equal, or inferior).

The ability of FICE to trace the polyp margin and recognize the irregularities of the polyp surface

In study four, the ability to trace the polyp margin and recognize the irregularities of the polyp surface was compared between FICE setting 4, conventional endoscopy, and IC. Ninety images corresponding to 15 polyps were obtained and presented to the panel. The panel rated the ability of FICE to trace the margin and surface as superior, equal, or inferior to that of the other techniques.

The feasibility of FICE colonoscopy in IC-stained mucosa

In study five, the feasibility of FICE colonoscopy in IC-stained mucosa was tested. In a preliminary phase, both endoscopists participating in study one had determined that colonoscopy with FICE setting 6 was the most adequate to observe the IC-stained mucosa, with a global image quality that was at least as good as with WLE. Then, 48 images corresponding to 12 polyps were taken, including views with IC and with IC plus FICE setting 6. The members of the panel were asked to rate the ability of FICE-6 plus IC to trace the margin and surface of the polyps as superior, equal, or inferior to the performance of IC.

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Universitario de Canarias, and a signed informed consent document was obtained from all participating patients.

Statistical analysis

No sample sizes were calculated, as this was a pilot study, and no data were available when the study was performed regarding colonoscopy with FICE.

Categorical variables are expressed with frequencies and percentages. Proportions were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test whenever required. Means were compared with the unpaired Student’s t test, and means and standard deviations (SD) are reported.

For the same endoscopist, comparisons between techniques on quality of the images were carried out using the Wilcoxon test.

Calculated P < 0.05 values were considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS
Normal mucosa and vascular pattern

The assessment of FICE settings is shown in Figure 2. In evaluating the normal mucosa, only filter 4 was scored by both assessors as superior to conventional WLE (Table 2). The gold standard for mucosal observation, indigo carmine, was regarded as far superior to any FICE setting according to all assessors. In fact, the normal colonic innominate grooves could only be seen with the aid of dye spraying.

In evaluating the vascular pattern, FICE setting 4 (corresponding to RGB wavelengths 520, 500, and 405 nm, respectively) and FICE setting 2 were found to provide the best image quality. When mucosal and vascular pattern ratings were taken together, FICE setting 4 was considered the best by both assessors.

Endoscopic diagnosis

Study two (Figure 1): The histological predictions for the five participants are indicated in Table 3. In general, the diagnostic accuracy was related to the level of experience of the endoscopists in the panel. IC plus magnification, FICE setting 4 plus magnification, and IC without magnification were the most accurate techniques. The following differences among the techniques were statistically significant (Table 3): Conventional vs IC-Magnification: P = 0.002; Conventional-Magnification vs FICE-Magnification: P = 0.02; Conventional vs IC: P = 0.02; Conventional vs IC-M: P = 0.001; FICE vs FICE-Magnification: P = 0.048; FICE vs IC: P = 0.048; FICE vs IC-Magnification: P = 0.004.

The following differences among endoscopists were statistically significant (Table 3): Endoscopist 2 vs 4: P = 0.003; Endoscopist 2 vs 5: P = 0.006; Endoscopist 3 vs 4: P < 0.001; Endoscopist 3 vs 5: P = 0.002.

The endoscopists’ level of confidence in the endoscopic diagnosis was increased with these techniques compared to making the diagnosis with white light only (Figure 3).

FICE and mucosa, polyps

In study three, FICE was particularly useful in evaluating the mucosa in the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation, and the panel found that in that situation, the view was generally better with FICE setting 4 than with WLE (Table 4). Small solid feces showed up as a vivid yellow color and transparent liquid as a darker yellow color; its distinction from colonic mucosa could be clearly seen (Figure 4).

In study four, FICE setting 4 was found to be better than conventional endoscopy for tracing the margin of the polyps and observing the surface irregularities, and IC was found to be better than FICE setting 4 (Tables 5 and 6, Figure 5).

In study five, when the polyps were observed under IC plus FICE setting 6, the view was not considered inferior to that of IC alone (Table 7, Figure 6). Therefore, it can be concluded that colonoscopy with FICE setting 6 in the IC-stained mucosa is feasible.

DISCUSSION

Virtual chromoendoscopy has been developed by endoscope manufacturers to reduce the need for dye spraying. FICE comes with 10 pre-installed settings, which have not previously been evaluated and compared to normal dye spraying techniques and WLE.

In our study, setting 4 was found to be best when assessing mucosal and vascular architecture. Teixeira et al[12] have reported on the effectiveness of FICE with magnification endoscopes in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. The FICE setting employed was R 500 nm, G 520 nm, and B 405 nm, as we felt that it provided the best imaging of the capillary vessels, after having compared multiple filter settings. However, those comparisons were not probably performed in a structured fashion, as no specific data about the comparisons is available in the study.

We described the settings as provided by the manufacturer. Because it is possible to personalize the filter settings and rename them, care should be taken not to misinterpret the filters used in different studies. Paradoxically, we found that the FICE settings that most closely correlated with the Olympus NBI mode provided the worst mucosal views. NBI and FICE are indeed different technologies, and the results obtained with one of them cannot be extrapolated to the other.

FICE was generally better at assessing vascular architecture than the mucosal surface. Moreover, indigo carmine dye spraying was significantly superior to any FICE setting. In particular, the innominate grooves, important features when recognizing flat lesions, were perfectly outlined by indigo carmine dye.

Magnification appears to be as effective with FICE as with IC, whereas IC would be superior to FICE in the absence of magnification. Because this is a pilot study, these results should be confirmed in larger studies. The endoscopists participating in image interpretation were far more familiar with IC than with FICE. A learning curve in diagnostic interpretation of FICE may exist. Another possible explanation for the superiority of IC over FICE in our study could be that the former seems to provide a better mucosal contrast, and in the absence of magnification, this might lead to significant differences. In the only study available regarding FICE for the diagnosis of colonic polyps, Pohl et al[9] also found that IC and FICE were superior to WLE both with and without magnification. However, no difference was found when IC and FICE were compared. Because the mean size of polyps in their study was 7 mm, and lesions up to 20 mm in size were included, their results cannot be directly compared to those from our study, as our polyps were significantly smaller. Although they performed a sub-analysis on the subgroup of lesions ≤ 5 mm in size, no information was provided about possible differences between IC and FICE. Moreover, images were evaluated for diagnostic performance by one single endoscopist, whereas five endoscopists were involved in our study.

The diagnostic accuracy with the different techniques in our study was lower than in some other series[2,5,13-16]. Possible explanations for such differences are that some series included larger polyps, which are probably easier to diagnose[5,13-15], or that diagnosis was estimated with a live video-endoscopy image and not with stored pictures[2,13], which could enable a more exact diagnosis. Some series used absorptive stains, which can be more accurate[13,14]. Moreover, endoscopists with varying degrees of experience in magnifying colonoscopy participated in our study, and there were significant differences in diagnostic accuracy among them. In a recent study, East et al[16] reported a diagnostic accuracy of 69%-72% for magnification with methylene blue and 72%-84% for magnification plus NBI, which is similar to our findings. Further larger studies should compare FICE with IC without magnification in order to ascertain possible differences between the techniques.

The perceived degree of certainty in the diagnosis given with the different techniques applied was also evaluated. We believe that this issue deserves consideration when test performance is evaluated, as it could have an influence on the therapeutic strategy chosen by the endoscopist. We found that IC (with and without magnification) and FICE plus magnification - the techniques with a higher diagnostic accuracy - were associated with a greater perception of accurate diagnosis, and in fact they were more accurate.

Virtual chromoendoscopy techniques are expected to increase mucosal contrast. In fact, they should probably do so if they are to replace endoscopic stains. In our study, FICE was superior in highlighting the contour of lesions compared with WLE. However, IC remains the gold standard as it was found to be superior to FICE. Machida et al[4] came to a similar conclusion when comparing NBI with dye staining. One very important issue that will have to be explored in future studies is whether FICE or NBI can aid in the recognition of depressed lesions (Paris type 0-IIc). These lesions are frequently small but frequently harbour high grade dysplasia or early invasive cancer[11,17].

Adequate bowel cleansing is a prerequisite for the application of chromoendoscopy, as the mixture of stains and remaining fecal content worsens endoscopic observation[18]. It appears important to determine whether FICE can be applied when there is some fecal content remaining, because in most colonoscopies, at least some liquid material persists. when the NBI technology is used, suboptimal bowel preparation appears to negatively affect the endoscopic view. According to our initial impression and the endoscopists’ subjective opinion measured in the study, FICE setting 4 was better than WLE for adequately observing the colonic mucosa when bowel content was present and for localizing and individualizing small fecal particles. Liquid and especially small fecal particles showed up as a vivid yellow color. This property of FICE might be useful to differentiate more accurately between small polyps and feces, allowing for targeted washing when small particles are detected.

Finally, it is important to know the effect of IC on FICE observation. It is possible that both techniques could be applied in combination for certain indications, as FICE allows for better observation of the vascular pattern and IC more clearly highlights the lesion edge and surface shape. FICE 6 did not interfere with endoscopic observation. The effect of IC on NBI observation has not been described, but in our experience, the endoscopic view is worsened, resulting in a greenish color.

It is noteworthy that in all cases, FICE was applied with magnifying high definition endoscopes (1 300 000 pixels). When we tried conventional endoscopes (resolution 410 000 pixels), we felt that the image quality was greatly worsened when any FICE filter was applied. Therefore, the results of our study apply only to high resolution endoscopes.

Our study has several limitations: first, the determination of the image quality provided by the different filters is unavoidably a subjective issue. However, we used a scale, a method similar to that used in previous studies[4], and each endoscopist was blinded to the assessments of the other endoscopists. Moreover, although filter 4 had the highest scores, other filters also seemed to provide clear endoscopic images, but they were not evaluated in the current study. The effect of these filters in the colon could represent a field of future research. A second limitation is that our pilot study on polyps only included small lesions, and none of the lesions was invasive; therefore, the usefulness of FICE for the prediction of invasiveness was not assessed. Finally, one investigator selected the endoscopic images and also participated in the prediction of histopathological diagnosis. However, he was unaware of the diagnosis, and in fact, he did not review any of the histopathological reports for any endoscopic procedure during the study period. When this investigator’s assessments were excluded, there were no changes in the statistical results for the diagnostic accuracy of the techniques.

In conclusion, FICE setting 4 seems to be the most suitable for the observation of the colonic mucosa with high definition endoscopes. Its performance in the diagnosis of small polyps appears similar to IC when magnification is applied; however, in our pilot study, IC was superior to FICE in the absence of magnification. FICE seems to depict the polyp shape better than WLE but less clearly than IC. The presence of small amounts of liquid or solid feces or IC does not appear to interfere with endoscopic observation when FICE is applied. This is an initial description, and future studies should clarify the role of FICE in colonoscopic diagnosis.

COMMENTS
Background

Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy (FICE) provides virtual chromoendoscopy, without the need for endoscopic stains. However, knowledge about the most adequate FICE settings in colonoscopy, and how it compares with conventional chromoendoscopy is still limited.

Research frontiers

Many issues regarding colonoscopic imaging with FICE have to be explored, including comparison with other virtual chromoendoscopy technologies, traditional chromoendoscopy with stains, and even the influence of the quality of colonic cleansing.

Innovations and breakthroughs

In this study a structured methodology was applied in order to determine which one among the multiple FICE-filters available provides a better observation of the vascular and mucosal patterns. After the most adequate filter was selected, it was applied for the examination of colonic polyps. In previous studies such a methodology to choose the best FICE-filter was not applied or described in detail. Additionally, in this study certain features of FICE imaging are explored, such as the possibility of applying it to observe indigo carmine-stained mucosa, or whether the existence of fecal contents has an influence on FICE imaging.

Applications

Our results suggest that FICE is adequate for the observation of the vascular pattern, that indigo carmine is better for examining the fine mucosal surface and the margin and shape of the lesion, and that endoscopic stains (like indigo carmine) can be applied in combination with FICE-6. As opposed to narrow band imaging, indigo carmine or colonic fecal contents do not seem to interfere with FICE imaging. In fact, FICE-4 could clarify whether small mucosal irregularities are really mucosal lesions or adherent particles, and this could have an application in screening colonoscopy.

Terminology

Virtual chromoendoscopy: The contrast of mucosal and vascular patterns is enhanced without the need of any endoscopic stain, by just pressing a button in the endoscope. FICE: Virtual chromoendoscopy is obtained by means of spectral estimation technology, i.e. computerized image reconstruction by the endoscopic processor. FICE filters or settings: there are 10 pre-programmed filters which are switched on the keyboard, each of which has different settings for estimated R, G, and B wavelengths.

Peer review

This is a prospective study to validate high definition endoscopes with FICE in colonoscopy. This paper is quite interesting.

Footnotes

Peer reviewer: Giovanni D De Palma, Professor, Department of Surgery and Advanced Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, Naples 80131, Italy

S- Editor Tian L L- Editor Webster JR E- Editor Lin YP

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