Characteristics performance of laryngopharyngeal reflux in narrow band imaging / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To study the application value of narrow-band imaging in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Methods:A total of 275 patients admitted to the inpatient department or laryngoscopy room of the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2022 to April 2023 due to throat discomfort were selected as the research subjects. All of them completed RSI, RFS scoring scales and electronic laryngoscopy（including ordinary white light and NBI）. According to the expert consensus of LPRD in 2022, RSI and RFS scoring scale were used as diagnostic criteria to divide them into LPR group and non-LPR group. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences of positive rates of characteristic manifestations under NBI among different groups. The consistency of NBI and scale diagnostic methods was analyzed by Kappa, and RSI and RFS scoring were used as diagnostic criteria, The diagnostic efficiency of NBI method was analyzed. Results:There were 190 people in the LPR group, 157 of whom showed characteristic performance under the NBI mode, with a positive rate of 82.6%（157/190）; there were 85 people in the non-LPR group, with a positive rate of 18.8%（16/85）. There was a statistically significant difference in the positive rate between the two groups（χ²=102.47, P<0.05）. The consistency rate between RSI, RFS and NBI was 82.2%（226/275）. Kappa consistency analysis was used, and Kappa=0.605（P<0.05）, indicating good consistency between the two diagnostic methods. Using RSI and RFS as diagnostic criteria for LPR, the sensitivity of NBI diagnostic method was 82.6%（157/190）, specificity 81.2%（69/85）, positive predictive value 90.8%（157/173） and negative predictive value 67.6%（69/102）. Conclusion:Narrow-band imaging, as a new endoscopic imaging technique, can show small changes in mucosal surface micro vessels and play an important role in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Japan Narrow-Band Imaging Expert Team (Jnet) Classification System for the Differential Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps

Background: Real time visual differentiation of colorectal polyps into benign and malignant helps to decide the appropriate treatment strategy and avoid the unnecessary risk associated with endoscopic therapies and need for repeat procedures. The Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification developed in 2014 classifies colorectal polyps into types 1(Hyperplastic polyps including sessile serrated polyps), 2A (low grade dysplasia), 2B (high grade dysplasia/ superficial submucosal invasive carcinomas) and 3 (deep submucosal invasive carcinomas). We conducted this study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the JNET classification for colorectal polyps. Methods: All patients undergoing colonoscopy in a tertiary care Centre in south India from February to July 2020, who had colorectal polyps were included in the study. A prospective image evaluation to identify the JNET class was done by 2 independent observers blinded to the histological diagnosis and the result was compared with the final histopathological diagnosis. Inflammatory polyps were excluded. The collected data was statistically analyzed to assess the diagnostic accuracy. Result: 139 polyps from 102 patients were included in the study. Most common locations were ascending colon (31%) or rectosigmoid (30.3%). 21 polyps were hyperplastic polyps, 78 polyps were LGD, 23 were HGD/SM-S and 17 were SM-D polyps. On NBI imaging, 23, 76, 30, and 10 polyps were classified as JNET types 1, 2a, 2b and 3 respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of JNET classification was 98.5%, 88.4%, 83% and 93.5% respectively. Conclusion: The JNET classification has a high diagnostic accuracy for predicting the histology of colorectal polyps and hence recommended.

Clinical value of narrow-band imaging endoscopy in children with esophageal polyps / 中华消化内镜杂志

To investigate the diagnostic value of narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy for esophageal polyps in children. Microscopic morphology of various polyps in 35 children with esophageal polyps in Children's Hospital of Shanghai from January 2016 to June 2020 were observed under both traditional white light endoscopy and NBI endoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of traditional white light endoscopy and NBI endoscopy were compared with the pathological results as the gold standard. A total of 70 esophageal polypoid lesions were found in 35 children, including 27 single polyps. Pathological results indicated that the majority of polyps were non-neoplastic polyps (52.9%, 37/70).The sensitivity of NBI endoscopy in the diagnosis of esophageal neoplastic polyps was significantly higher than that of white light endoscopy [93.9% (31/33) VS 90.9% (30/33), P < 0.001], and the specificity was also higher [89.2% (33/37) VS 78.4% (29/37), P=0.864]. By observing the microscopic structure of esophageal polyps, NBI endoscopy contributes to the clinical prediction of the pathological properties of polyps. Its sensitivity is superior to the white light endoscopy.

The Impact of Narrow-band Imaging on the Pre- and Intra- operative Assessments of Neoplastic and Preneoplastic Laryngeal Lesions. A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Narrow-band imaging is an endoscopic diagnostic tool that, focusing on superficial vascular changes, is useful to detect suspicious laryngeal lesions, enabling their complete excision with safe and tailored resection margins. Objectives To analyze the applications and benefits of narrow-band imaging in detecting premalignant and malignant laryngeal lesions through a comparison with white-light endoscopy. Data Synthesis A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases using strict keywords. Then, two authors independently analyzed the articles, read the titles and abstracts, and read completely only the relevant studies according to certain eligibility criteria. In total, 14 articles have been included in the present review; the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of pre- and/or intraoperative narrow-band imaging were analyzed. The analysis showed that narrow-band imaging is better than white-light endoscopy in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy regarding the ability to identify cancer and/or precancerous laryngeal lesions. Moreover, the intraoperative performance of narrow-band imaging resulted more effective than the in-office performance. Conclusion Narrow-band imaging is an effective diagnostic tool to detect premalignant and malignant laryngeal lesions and to define proper resection margins. Moreover, narrow-band imaging is useful in cases of leukoplakia that may cover a possible malignant lesion and that cannot be easily assessed with white-light endoscopy. Finally, a shared, simple and practical classification of laryngeal lesions, such as that of the European Laryngological Society, is required to identify a shared lesion management strategy. Key Points Narrow-band imaging is useful in detecting suspicious laryngeal lesions and proper resection margins showing intraepithelial papillary capillary loops (IPCLs) that are considered a main cancer feature. Narrow-band imaging is used both pre- and intraoperatively, but it provides more precise information if used during surgery. Compared with white-light endoscopy, narrow-band imaging enables a better assessment of the lesions covered by a thick white plaque (such as in cases of leukoplakia) The classification of the European Laryngological Society is the simplest and the most practical for the identification of various laryngeal lesions compared with other classifications.

Comparison of the diagnostic effect of early gastric cancer between magnifying blue laser imaging model and magnifying narrow-band imaging model based on deep learning / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To develop early gastric cancer (EGC) detection system of magnifying blue laser imaging (ME-BLI) model and magnifying narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) model based on deep convolutional neural network, to compare the performance differences of the two models and to explore the effects of training methods on the accuracy.Methods:The images of benign gastric lesions and EGC under ME-BLI and ME-NBI were respectively collected. A total of five data sets and three test sets were collected. Data set 1 included 2 024 noncancerous lesions and 452 EGC images under ME-BLI. Data set 2 included 2 024 noncancerous lesions and 452 EGC images under ME-NBI. Data set 3 was the combination of data set 1 and 2 (a total of 4 048 noncancerous lesions and 904 EGC images under ME-BLI and ME-NBI). Data set 4: on the basis of data set 2, another 62 noncancerous lesions and 2 305 EGC images under ME-NBI were added (2 086 noncancerous lesions and 2 757 EGC images under ME-NBI). Data set 5: on the basis of data set 3, another 62 noncancerous lesions and 2 305 EGC images under ME-NBI were added(4 110 noncancerous lesions and 3 209 EGC images under ME-NBI and ME-BLI). Test set A included 422 noncancerous lesions and 197 EGC images under ME-BLI. Test set B included 422 noncancerous lesions and 197 EGC images under ME-NBI. Test set C was the combination of test set A and B (844 noncancerous and 394 EGC images under ME-BLI and ME-NBI). Five models were constructed according to these five data sets respectively and their performance was evaluated in the three test sets. Per-lesion video was collected and used to compare the performance of deep convolutional neural network models under ME-BLI and ME-NBI for the detection of EGC in clinical environment, and compared with four senior endoscopy doctors. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic accuracy of EGG, sensitivity and specificity. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:The performance of model 1 was the best in test set A with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 76.90% (476/619), 63.96% (126/197) and 82.94% (350/422), respectively. The performance of model 2 was the best in test set B with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 86.75% (537/619), 92.89% (183/197) and 83.89% (354/422), respectively. The performance of model 3 was the best in test set B with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 86.91% (538/619), 84.26% (166/197) and 88.15% (372/422), respectively. The performance of model 4 was the best in test set B with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 85.46% (529/619), 95.43% (188/197) and 80.81% (341/422), respectively. The performance of model 5 was the best in test set B, with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 83.52% (517/619), 96.95% (191/197) and 77.25% (326/422), respectively. In terms of image recognition of EGC, the accuracy of models 2 to 5 was higher than that of model 1, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=147.90, 149.67, 134.20 and 115.30, all P<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of models 2 and 3 were higher than those of model 1, the specificity of model 2 was lower than that of model 3, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=131.65, 64.15, 207.60, 262.03 and 96.73, all P < 0.01). The sensitivity of models 4 and 5 was higher than those of models 1 to 3, and the specificity of models 4 and 5 was lower than those of models 1 to 3, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=151.16, 165.49, 71.35, 112.47, 132.62, 153.14, 176.93, 74.62, 14.09, 15.47, 6.02 and 5.80, all P<0.05). The results of video test based on lesion showed that the average accuracy of doctors 1 to 4 was 68.16%. And the accuracy of models 1 to 5 was 69.47% (66/95), 69.47% (66/95), 70.53% (67/95), 76.84% (73/95) and 80.00% (76/95), respectively. There were no significant differences in the accuracy among models 1 to 5 and between models 1 to 5 and doctors 1 to 4 (all P>0.05). Conclusions:ME-BLI EGC recognition model based on deep learning has good accuracy, but the diagnostic effecacy is sligntly worse than that of ME-NBI model. The effects of EGC recognition model of ME-NBI combined with ME-BLI is better than that of a single model. A more sensitive ME-NBI model can be obtained by increasing the number of ME-NBI images, especially the images of EGG, but the specificity is worse.

The Effect of Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy on Vitamin D Status in Psoriasis Patients with Skin Phototype III, IV and V

Background@#Narrowband ultraviolet-B (NBUVB) is an effective treatment option for psoriasis. Vitamin D insufficiency is common in psoriasis patients. We assessed the effect of NBUVB on vitamin D levels amongst psoriasis patients with skin phototype III, IV and V.@*Methods@#Psoriasis patients planned for NBUVB phototherapy were enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Hospital Putrajaya and Hospital Kuala Lumpur from May 2020-December 2020. NBUVB phototherapy was given twice weekly for 12 weeks. Serum 25 (OH)D level was measured at baseline and at week 12.@*Results@#A total of 21(63.6%) male and 12(36.4%) female patients aged 18-66 years participated. Majority were Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FSP) IV (66.7%) followed by FSP V (21.2%) and FSP III (12.1%). Serum 25(OH)D increased significantly (p<0.001) from 52.09±21.43 nmol/L at baseline to 72.80±19.56 nmol/L at week 12 with the most increment seen in skin type V. There was also a significant improvement seen in Body Surface Area (BSA) involvement after 12 weeks of phototherapy (p<0.001). There was no correlation seen between BSA at week 12 with serum 25(OH)D and percentage of serum 25(OH) D increment.@*Conclusion@#NBUVB phototherapy increases the level of serum 25(OH)D in psoriasis patients with darker skin types while simultaneously clearing psoriasis.

A 5-years Retrospective Study on Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NBUVB) Phototherapy Utilisation Experience in A Tertiary Hospital in East Malaysia

Background@#Phototherapy had been a less favourable treatment in recent years. Our study aims to audit the usage of NB-UVB phototherapy service in a tertiary hospital in East Malaysia.@*Methods@#This is a retrospective study. Phototherapy file of patients who underwent NB-UVB phototherapy between year 2016 and 8 March 2021 were reviewed. Demographic data, treatment history, and acute side effects were analysed.@*Results@#Forty eight subjects were recruited in this study. The majority (33.3%) of the subjects were in 20-29 age group. There was an equal number of male and female subjects. About 66.7% of the subjects had psoriasis and 18.8% of them had vitiligo. Nearly 36.6% of the subjects had 26-50% body surface area involved at initial phototherapy. Almost 54.2% of the subjects had <50 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy. About 52.1% of the subjects had a cumulative dose of NB-UVB <25 J/cm2 while 26.7% of subjects had a cumulative dose >200 J/cm2. Acute side effects including burning (17.8%), pruritus (4.4%) and flare of psoriasis (2.2%).@*Discussion@#Low utilization rate of NB-UVB phototherapy was likely due to logistical and transportation factors. Psoriasis was the commonest indication for NB-UVB in our study followed by vitiligo. Annual skin malignancy surveillance should be done especially on patients received NB-UVB >350 sessions even after the discontinuation of treatment. Most patients tolerate NB-UVB phototherapy well with no major side effects.@*Conclusion@#In conclusion, NB-UVB phototherapy is a relatively safe yet underutilised treatment in our centre.

Selection of parameters of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo / 中华皮肤科杂志

Narrowband ultraviolet B has been applied to the treatment of vitiligo for more than 10 years in China.Currently,there are no consistent standards for clinical treatment parameters,and patients cannot benefit from non-standard treatment,which is liable to cause erythema,blisters,photoaging and other adverse reactions.Based on the Vitiligo Working Group recommendations for narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo,relevant literature and clinical experiences,the authors discuss parameters of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo from the aspects of treatment frequency,initial dosing,dose adjustment during consecutive treatment or after missed treatment,response plateau,treatment course and maximum acceptable number of phototherapy,so as to improve the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo.

The role of intraoperative narrow-band imaging in transoral laser microsurgery for early and moderately advanced glottic cancer / O papel da imagem de banda estreita intraoperatória na microcirurgia transoral a laser para câncer glótico inicial e moderadamente avançado

Abstract Introduction: Trans-oral laser microsurgery is an established technique for the treatment of early and moderately advanced laryngeal cancer. Objective: The authors intend to test the usefulness of narrow-band imaging in the intraoperative assessment of the larynx mucosa in terms of specifying surgical margins. Methods: Forty-four consecutive T1-T2 glottic cancers treated with trans-oral laser microsurgery Type I-VI cordectomy were presented. Suspected areas (90 samples/44 patients) were biopsied under the guidance of narrow-band imaging and white light and sent for frozen section. Results: Our study revealed that 75 of 90 (83.3%) white light and narrow-band imaging-guided samples were histopathologically positive: 30 (40%) were confirmed as carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma and 45 (60%) as moderate to severe dysplasia. In 6 patients mucosa was suspected only in narrow-band imaging, with no suspicion under white light. Thus, in these 6 patients 18/90 (20%) samples were taken. In 5/6 patients 16/18 (88.8%) samples were positive in frozen section: in 6/18 (33.3%) carcinoma (2 patients), 10/18 (66.6%) severe dysplasia was confirmed (3 patients). In 1 patient 2/18 (11.1%) samples were negative in frozen section. Presented analysis showed, that sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of white light was 79.5%, 20% and 71.1% respectively, while narrow-band imaging was 100%, 0.0% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The intraoperative use of narrow-band imaging proved to be valuable in the visualization of suspect areas of the mucosa. Narrow-band imaging confirms the suspicions undertaken in white light and importantly, it showed microlesions beyond the scope of white light.

Resumo Introdução: A microcirurgia transoral a laser é uma técnica bem estabelecida para o tratamento de câncer de laringe inicial e moderadamente avançado. Objetivo: Verificar a utilidade da imagem de banda estreita na avaliação intraoperatória da mucosa laríngea na especificação das margens cirúrgicas. Método: Foram avaliados 44 cânceres glóticos T1-T2 consecutivos, tratados com cordectomia Tipo I-VI, por microcirurgia transoral a laser. As áreas suspeitas (90 amostras/44 pacientes) foram submetidas a biopsia e avaliadas através de imagens de banda estreita e luz branca e enviadas para cortes por congelação. Resultados: Nosso estudo revelou que 75 (83,3%) das 90 amostras apresentaram histopatologia positiva na análise com luz branca e imagens de banda estreita: 30 (40%) foram confirmadas como carcinoma in situ ou carcinoma invasivo e 45 (60%) como displasia moderada a grave. Em seis pacientes, a mucosa apresentou-se suspeita apenas na imagem de banda estreita, sem suspeita sob luz branca. Assim, nesses seis pacientes 18/90 (20%) amostras foram colhidas. Em 5/6 pacientes, 16/18 (88,8%) amostras mostraram resultado positivo na análise de congelação: em 6/18 (33,3%) amostras foi confirmado carcinoma (dois pacientes) e em 10/18 (66,6%) foi confirmada displasia grave (três pacientes). Em um paciente, 2/18 (11,1%) as amostras mostraram resultado negativo na congelação. A análise apresentada mostrou que a sensibilidade, a especificidade e a acurácia da luz branca foram de 79,5%, 20% e 71,1%, respectivamente, enquanto a imagem de banda estreita apresentou como resultados 100%, 0,0% e 85,7%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O uso intraoperatório de imagem de banda estreita provou ser valioso na identificação de áreas suspeitas da mucosa, confirmou as suspeitas verificadas na análise com luz branca e, o que é mais importante, identificou microlesões além do alcance da luz branca.

Estimation of Invasion Depth: The First Key to Successful Colorectal ESD

Colorectal tumors with superficial submucosal invasion, which cannot be removed by snaring, are one of the most optimal indications for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Therefore, estimation of the invasion depth is the first key to successful colorectal ESD. Although estimation of the invasion depth based on the gross morphology may be useful in selected cases, its diagnostic accuracy could not reach the clinical requirement. The Japan Narrow-band Imaging (NBI) Expert Team (JNET) classification of NBI magnifying endoscopy findings is a useful method for histologic prediction and invasion depth estimation. However, magnifying chromoendoscopy is still necessary for JNET type 2B lesions to reach a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy. Endocytoscopy with artificial intelligence is a promising technology in invasion depth estimation; however, more data are needed for its clinical application.

Bimodal Chromoendoscopy with Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy for the Detection of Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-focus narrow-band imaging (dNBI) and Lugol'schromoendoscopy (LCE) combined with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) to screen for esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (ESCNs) in patients with a history of head and neck cancer. METHODS: From March to August 2016, dNBI was performed. Next, LCE was performed, followed by pCLE and biopsy. Histology has historically been the gold standard to diagnose ESCN. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of dNBI and LCE adjunct with pCLE were determined. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included. Ten ESCNs were found in 8 patients (33%). Forty percent of high-graded intraepithelial neoplasias and all low-grade intraepithelial neoplasias were overlooked by dNBI. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of dNBI vs. LCE combined with pCLE were 50% vs. 80%, 62% vs. 67%, 36% vs. 44%, 75% vs. 91%, and 83% vs. 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dNBI to detect ESCN was suboptimal. LCE with pCLE following dNBI had additional value for detecting esophageal dysplasia not detected by dNBI. The use of pCLE to detect dNBI-missed lesions yielded a high NPV, while pCLE-guided biopsy could reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.

Application of narrow-band imaging without magnifying in diagnosis of colorectal lesions by NICE classification / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To evaluate narrow-band imaging (NBI) without magnifying in the diagnosis of colorectal lesions by NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic Criteria (NICE classification), and analyze the safety and practicability of "do-not-resect" and "resect and discard" policies in clinical practice. Methods: The patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy, who were found colorectal lesions in the examination, from May to December in 2017 were enrolled. All the patients were examined by NBI without magnifying by any of the designated two physicians. NICE classification was used to diagnose colorectal lesions, and the diagnostic confidence of each lesion was recorded. The results of endoscopy were compared with those of pathology, and the accuracy rate and the confidence rate of diagnosis were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the diagnostic method for differentiating superficial tumors from non-tumors were also calculated. Finally, the feasibility, safety and cost savings of using "do-not-resect" and "resect and discard" policies in clinic were analyzed. Results: A total of 764 lesions were detected in the 636 enrolled patients. The overall accuracy of NICE classification was 84.95% and the diagnostic confidence rate was 81.68%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for differentiating tumors from non-tumors were 91.77%, 67.68%, 88.69%, and 74.86%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of diminutive colorectal lesions (≤5 mm) with high confidence was 94.98%, and the negative predictive value of diminutive rectosigmoid lesions (≤5 mm) with high confidence was 96.25%. They achieved the criteria of "resect and discard" and "do-not-resect" policies. If "do-not-resect" and "resect and discard" policies had been executed in clinical practice, ¥165 490 could have been saved and the omission diagnostic rates of "do-not-resect" and "resect and discard" policies would have been 3.75% and 0, respectively, in this study. Conclusion: It is feasible to use NBI without magnifying in differentiating tumors from non-tumors. The diminutive colorectal lesions and rectosigmoid lesions with high diagnostic confidence may achieve the criteria of "resect and discard" and "do-not-resect" policies, respectively.

Diagnostic value of JNET classification under narrow-band imaging for colorectal laterally spreading tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Japan Narrow Band Imaging Expert Team(JNET) classification under narrow-band imaging (NBI) for colorectal laterally spreading tumors.@*Methods@#Data of 170 laterally spreading tumors (LST) detected by NBI and pigment dyeing were reviewed in the retrospective study. JNET classification under NBI was used for rediagnosis based on surface pattern and vessel pattern. Pit pattern(PP) was observed under pigment dyeing using PP classification. The results were compared with histologic results after endoscopic resection or surgery.@*Results@#The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of JNET classification and PP classification were 92.2% VS 70.3%, 82.3% VS 85.0%, 74.7% VS 72.6%, 94.9% VS 83.5%, 85.9% VS 79.7%, respectively (P=0.159). The consistency rates of JNET classification and PP classification in predicting shallow invasion depth of LST were 6.1% and 8.3% respectively and the consistency rates in predicting deep invasion were 30.8% and 4.8%, respectively.@*Conclusion@#JNET classification under NBI is effective in predicting malignant laterally spreading tumors, however, its efficacy in predicting tumor invasion depth is unsatisfied. PP classification can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy for those with diagnostic difficulty.

Treatment of morphea with narrowband ultraviolet B: A case series

Introduction@#Morphea, is a rare autoimmune disease presenting with fibrotic changes in the dermis and subcutis. It is a benign condition associated with significant atrophy and sclerosis leading to disfigurement, flexure contractures, and impaired function. Ultraviolet A1 and photochemotherapy are highly effective treatment options but are not readily available in the country. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB), on the other hand, is readily available, affordable, and safe to use. @*Case summary@#Three patients diagnosed with different variants of morphea (bilateral generalize morphea, unilateral generalized morphea, and circumscribed morphea). underwent 30 sessions of NBUVB. Treatment response was assessed using tightness and itch Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Modified Skin Score (MSS), photographic comparison, ultrasonographic measurement, and histopathologic analysis. NBUVB treatment resulted to 14-60% decrease in the tightness and itch VAS. MSS was also reduced by 35-50%. The size, pigmentation, and erythema of the lesions also decreased. Ultrasonography showed an improvement in the thickness of lesions after treatment. Histopathologic study showed less packed collagen with increase in inter-bundle spaces.@*Conclusion@#Response to treatment was influenced by the age of the lesion and anatomical location. More chronic lesions tend to have less response. Lesions on the face exhibited the greatest improvement while lesions on the lower extremities had the least improvement. This is the first case series study in the country that uses NBUVB as treatment for morphea. The improvement of the sclerotic and atrophic lesions treated with narrowband UVB treatment may be an acceptable substitute for UVA1 and PUVA.

Narrow-band imaging with magnification and the water immersion technique: a case-finding, cost-effective approach to diagnose villous atrophy

INTRODUCTION@#Narrow-band imaging with magnification endoscopy (NBI-ME) allows real-time visual assessment of the mucosal surface and vasculature of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the performance of NBI-ME combined with the water immersion technique (NBI-ME-WIT) in detecting villous atrophy.@*METHODS@#All patients who underwent gastroscopy were included. The duodenum was further examined with NBI-ME-WIT only after examination with white light endoscopy did not reveal a cause of anaemia or dyspepsia. Targeted biopsies were taken of visualised areas. NBI-ME-WIT findings were compared with the final histopathological analysis. We calculated the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of NBI-ME-WIT in detecting villous atrophy and the hypothetical cost saved by using a biopsy-avoiding approach.@*RESULTS@#124 patients (83 female) with a mean age of 46 (range 18-82) years were included. The most common indication for gastroscopy was abdominal pain (39%), followed by anaemia (35%), chronic diarrhoea/altered bowel habits (19%) and dyspepsia (6%). NBI-ME-WIT was able to detect all nine patients with villous atrophy - eight patchy and one total villous atrophy. The Sn, Sp, PPV and NPV of NBI-ME-WIT in detecting villous atrophy were 100.0%, 99.1%, 90.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Taking into account the cost of biopsy forceps (AUD 17) and pathology (AUD 140), this biopsy-avoidance strategy could have saved AUD 18,055 in these patients.@*CONCLUSION@#NBI-ME-WIT is a specific and sensitive tool to recognise and accurately diagnose villous atrophy. Biopsies can be avoided in patients with normal-sized villi, which may decrease the overall cost of the procedure.

Diagnostic value of JNET classification under narrow-band imaging for colorectal laterally spreading tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Japan Narrow Band Imaging Expert Team(JNET)classification under narrow-band imaging (NBI)for colorectal laterally spreading tumors. Methods Data of 170 laterally spreading tumors (LST)detected by NBI and pigment dyeing were reviewed in the retrospective study. JNET classification under NBI was used for rediagnosis based on surface pattern and vessel pattern. Pit pattern(PP)was observed under pigment dyeing using PP classification. The results were compared with histologic results after endoscopic resection or surgery. Results The diagnostic sensitivity,specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of JNET classification and PP classification were 92. 2％ VS 70. 3％,82. 3％ VS 85. 0％,74. 7％ VS 72. 6％,94. 9％VS 83. 5％,85. 9％ VS 79. 7％,respectively (P= 0. 159). The consistency rates of JNET classification and PP classification in predicting shallow invasion depth of LST were 6. 1％ and 8. 3％ respectively and the consistency rates in predicting deep invasion were 30. 8％ and 4. 8％,respectively. Conclusion JNET classification under NBI is effective in predicting malignant laterally spreading tumors,however,its efficacy in predicting tumor invasion depth is unsatisfied. PP classification can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy for those with diagnostic difficulty.

Value of near focus narrow-band imaging for differential diagnosis between hyperplastic polyp and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of near focus narrow-band imaging ( NF-NBI ) in differentiating hyperplastic polyp ( HP ) and sessile serrated adenomas/polyp ( SSA/P ) . Methods Data of 65 cases of pathologically confirmed HP or SSA/P with clear NF-NBI images in Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from October 2017 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Three senior doctors observed the images of NF-NBI, including expanded crypt opening ( ECO ) and thick & branched vessel ( TBV) . The results were compared with pathological results in order to analyze differential diagnostic value of ECO and TBV for HP and SSA/P. Results Among 65 lesions, 44 were SSA/P and 21 were HP. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ECO, TBV, and ECO combined with TBV for differential diagnosis between HP and SSA/P were 80. 3％( 106/132 ) , 85. 7％( 54/63 ) and 82. 1％( 160/195 ); 38. 6％( 51/132) , 82. 5％( 52/63 ) , and 52. 8％( 103/195 ); and 84. 8％( 112/132 ) , 73. 0％( 46/63 ) , and 81. 0％(158/195), respectively. Conclusion ECO under NF-NBI has a high sensitivity for diagnosis of SSA/P . ECO combined with TBV is helpful for differential diagnosis between HP and SSA/P .

Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of conventional white light endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging for intestinal-type gastric adenoma in benign lesions / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To compare the diagnostic accuracy of white light endoscopy ( WLE ) and magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging ( ME-NBI) for intestinal-type gastric adenoma in benign lesions. Methods Data of patients with suspected early gastric neoplastic lesions diagnosed with WLE were collected from Shanghai Renji Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. Patients with suspected early gastric neoplastic lesions by WLE were examined with WLE, ME-NBI and targeted biopsy again within 2 weeks. The results of WLE, ME-NBI and biopsy were recorded. Using pathological diagnosis as the golden standard, diagnostic efficacy of WLE and ME-NBI for intestinal-type gastric adenoma and other non-adenoma lesions was evaluated. Results A total of 232 patients ( 232 lesions) were included, i. e. , 124 intestinal-type gastric adenoma and 108 other non-adenoma lesions such as atrophy, ulcers, hyperplasia, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, etc. . The sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy of ME-NBI in intestinal-type gastric adenoma were higher than those of WLE ( 92. 7％ VS 71. 8％, 91. 6％ VS 73. 7％, 91. 8％ VS 80. 6％, all P <0. 01 ) . The specificity was consistent ( both 90. 7％) . There was no significant difference in the positive predictive value between WLE and ME-NBI ( 92. 0％ VS 89. 9％, P>0. 05 ) . Conclusion Diagnostic efficacy of ME-NBI in intestinal-type gastric adenoma from other non-adenoma lesions is significantly higher than that of WLE.

Diagnostic value of epithelial vessel branch using non-magnifying narrow-band imaging on early esophageal cancer / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of epithelial vessel branch detected by non-magnifying narrow-band imaging ( NM-NBI ) in diagnosis of early esophageal cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on data of 59 patients, who underwent endoscopy with NM-NBI and iodine staining to screen early esophageal cancer in PLA General Hospital from January 2013 to May 2015. The final diagnosis for all lesions were determined by pathology. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of NM-NBI and iodine staining for early esophageal cancer were compared. Results The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of NM-NBI on the epithelial vessel branch in diagnosis of early esophageal cancer were 83. 1％ (49/59), 91. 3％ (21/23) and 77. 8％ (28/36), respectively, and the corresponding statistical values of iodine staining were 55. 9％ ( 33/59) , 95. 7％ ( 22/23) and 30. 6％ ( 11/36), respectively. The accuracy (χ2=1. 45, P=0. 028) and specificity (χ2=21. 4, P=0. 000) of epithelial vessel branch by NM-NBI were significantly higher than those of iodine staining, and there was no significant difference in the sensitivity between the two methods (χ2=22. 3, P=1. 000) . Conclusion The observation of epithelial vessel branch using NM-NBI was useful and reliable in diagnosis of early esophageal cancer with high accuracy and specificity, and can be possible for application in the clinic.

Diagnostic value of narrow-band imaging combined with endoscopic ultrasonography for ampullary tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To study the diagnostic value of narrow-band imaging ( NBI) combined with endoscopic ultrasonography ( EUS) for ampullary tumors. Methods A total of 21 patients suspected with ampullary lesions by imaging or endoscopic examination from December 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent NBI and EUS, and 20 patients underwent biopsy. The type of ampullary tumor was predicted by preoperative examination, and appropriate treatment methods were chosen. The final diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, surgical pathology, and clinical follow-up for more than 6 months. The accuracy of NBI combined with EUS and biopsy in diagnosis of ampullary malignant tumors was calculated according to the gold standard. The Chi-square test was used to compare diagnostic accuracies. Results The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of NBI combined with EUS in diagnosis of ampullary malignancies were 94. 1％ (16/17), 100. 0％ (4/4), 95. 2％ (20/21), 100. 0％ (16/16), and 80. 0％ (4/5), respectively. The corresponding indicators of preoperative biopsy were 41. 2％ ( 7/17) , 100. 0％ ( 3/3) , 50. 0％ ( 10/20) , 100. 0％ ( 7/7) , and 23. 1％( 3/13) , respectively. The accuracy of NBI combined with EUS in diagnosing ampullary malignant tumor was significantly higher compared with preoperative biopsy ( P=0. 004) . Conclusion NBI combined with EUS can more accurately predict benign or malignant ampullary tumor, and better guide the choice of surgical methods compared with preoperative biopsy.