Diagnostic value of dilated intercellular space for non-erosive reflux disease / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of dilated intercellular space detected by light microscope for non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (RE). Methods A total of 104 subjects were divided into normal control group (n = 20), NERD group (n = 30) and RE group (n = 54).Biopsies were taken at 2-3 cm above the dentate line and were examined by light microscope to calculate the intercellular space and compared between different groups. Results The mean values of intercellular space in RE ( 1.40 ±0. 17 μm) and NERD ( 1.11 ± 0. 14 μm) were significantly higher than that in control group (0.66±0. 18 μm, x2 = 154. 170, P =0.000). But no significant difference was noted between RE and NERD groups ( t = 0. 044, P = 0. 834). The cut-off value of mean intercellular space with light microscope was 0. 89 μm, with sensitivity and specificity at 95.2% and 95.0%, respectively. Conclusion Dilated intercellular space under light microscope can be a sensitive, specific and objective indicator of NERD.