title: Is Seeing Really Believing? Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in the Evaluation of Pancreaticobiliary Disease.
abstract: Confocal laser endomicroscopy for real-time diagnosis during endoscopic procedures has now been in the mainstream clinical arena for a decade. Indeterminate biliary strictures and pancreatic cysts remain 2 difficult diagnostic challenges for the gastroenterologist, and the role this technology will play in the approach to these problems is still evolving. There is now a body of literature to guide the endoscopist in the use of this imaging tool, including how it may be useful in excluding biliary malignancy, and how miniaturization has allowed for endoscopic ultrasound-guided application of the probe within cysts. Interobserver variability remains a weakness of the system. Tips for use of this tool and interpretation of the imaging data it provides are discussed.
authors.affiliation: *Division of GI, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School †Endoscopic Education and Women's Health in GI, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Storm
authors.forename: Linda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional