Comparison of magnified pit pattern interpretation with narrow band imaging versus chromoendoscopy for diminutive colonic polyps: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Chromoendoscopy can accurately differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic polyps in the colon. Narrow band imaging (NBI) has been described as "electronic chromoendoscopy," but it is unclear whether pit patterns seen with chromoendoscopy are identical to those with NBI.


OBJECTIVE
Pilot study to compare features of diminutive polyps assessed with magnification NBI and chromoendoscopy.


METHODS
Prospective polyp series.


METHODS
Single tertiary referral center in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
Twenty patients seen for routine colonoscopy.


METHODS
Digital images of each polyp recorded with NBI and chromoendoscopy were subsequently assessed as single images in a random order and as paired polyp images by experienced European- and Japanese-trained endoscopists.


METHODS
Pit pattern (Kudo classification); vascular pattern intensity (weak, normal, strong); predicted histology; pit pattern and vessel network clarity (scale 1-3, 1 poor, 3 excellent).


RESULTS
A total of 33 polyps <or=6 mm were assessed. Chromoendoscopic and NBI pit patterns were different for 12 and 20 of 33 polyps (Japanese and European, respectively), combined kappa 0.23, P < .001 compared with published intraobsever variation. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for neoplasia were comparable for chromoendoscopic and NBI pit patterns and vascular pattern intensity for both observers. Vessel network clarity was better with NBI, P < .001 (both), as was pit pattern clarity, P = .04 (European).


CONCLUSIONS
Small sample size; pilot study.


CONCLUSIONS
Pit patterns were not always identical with NBI and chromoendoscopy. The Kudo classification may need to be modified and revalidated before it can be used with confidence with NBI. Vascular pattern intensity, a simple color change, appears as accurate as pit pattern.
East
James E
JE
Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, United Kingdom.
Suzuki
Noriko
N
Saunders
Brian P
BP
D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008751:Methylene Blue; D015588:Observer Variation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D004396:Coloring Agents; D008751:Methylene Blue