title: Endomicroscopy in the evaluation of Barrett's esophagus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) can provide real-time, microscopic visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa, allowing an endoscopic approach to the histologic evaluation of Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's esophagus-associated neoplasia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both endoscope-based (eCLE) and probe-based (pCLE) CLE systems have been used to evaluate Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's esophagus-associated neoplasia. Criteria for distinguishing Barrett's esophagus with neoplasia from nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus have been developed and validated for both eCLE and pCLE. Several studies have shown excellent detection of Barrett's esophagus neoplasia by CLE, and the technique may be used to guide endoscopic therapy. Advanced endomicroscopy systems and peptides and antibodies that target neoplasia are in development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CLE has provided a new way of evaluating Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's esophagus-associated neoplasia and is being used to improve detection and management of neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, VA North Texas Healthcare System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75216, USA. kerry.dunbar@va.gov
authors: Kerry B
authors: KB
authors: Dunbar