Clin Endosc.  2013 Sep;46(5):445-449.

Confocal Microscopy in the Esophagus and Stomach

• Templeton
• Hwang JH

Abstract

Probe-based confocal microscopy (pCLE) is actively being investigated for applications in the esophagus and stomach. The use of pCLE allows real-time in vivo microscopy to evaluate the microarchitecture of the mucosal epithelium. pCLE appears to be particularly useful in identifying mucosal dysplasia and early malignancies that cannot be clearly distinguished using high-definition white light endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, or magnification endoscopy. In addition, the ability to detect dysplastic tissue in real-time may shift the current screening practice from random biopsy to targeted biopsy of esophageal and gastric cancers and their precursor lesions. We will review the use of pCLE for detection and surveillance of upper gastrointestinal early luminal malignancy.

Keyword

Microscopy, confocal; Gastric intestinal metaplasia; Barrett esophagus; Dysplasia

MeSH Terms

Barrett Esophagus
Biopsy
Endoscopy
Epithelium
Esophagus
Humans
Light
Mass Screening
Microscopy
Microscopy, Confocal
Phenobarbital
Stomach
Stomach Neoplasms
Phenobarbital

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Esophageal probe-based confocal microscopy images of (A) normal squamous epithelium, (B) Barrett's metaplasia without dysplasia, (C) high-grade dysplasia, and (D) adenocarcinoma.

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  Fig. 2 Gastric probe-based confocal microscopy images of (A) normal gastric epithelium from the body of the stomach, (B) gastric intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia, (C) gastric dysplasia, and (D) early gastric cancer.

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