In vivo visualization of trophozoites in patients with amoebic colitis by using a newly developed endocytoscope.
BACKGROUND
The endocytoscopy system (ECS) is a new method to provide real-time super-magnifying microscopic imaging in vivo. Routine diagnosis of amebic colitis requires multiple tests that are both time consuming and costly.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of ECS to directly detect the amebic parasites in vivo.


METHODS
Prospective, single-center, pilot study.


METHODS
Tertiary-care university hospital.


METHODS
This study involved 5 patients who were suspected to have amebic colitis by conventional colonoscopy in our institute.


METHODS
A super-magnifying ECS with 450 x magnification.


METHODS
We compared ECS findings with those of conventional methods-serum antibody tests and histology of colon biopsy specimens.


RESULTS
We successfully visualized the amebic trophozoites in all 5 cases. In contrast, 3 specimens had positive results on serology, and 3 had positive histology results on hematoxylin and eosin staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot study with a limited number of patients. Findings were compared only with serology and histology findings.


CONCLUSIONS
ECS would be a useful tool for the prompt diagnosis of amebic colitis via the real-time in vivo visualization of amebic trophozoites.
Hosoe
Naoki
N
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Kobayashi
Taku
T
Kanai
Takanori
T
Bessho
Rieko
R
Takayama
Tetsuro
T
Inoue
Nagamu
N
Imaeda
Hiroyuki
H
Iwao
Yasushi
Y
Kobayashi
Seiki
S
Mukai
Makio
M
Ogata
Haruhiko
H
Hibi
Toshifumi
T
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D020685:Colonoscopes; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004404:Dysentery, Amebic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D053058:Trophozoites