RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the standard method for diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices in children. In this prospective study we evaluated the use of PillCam esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) in pediatric patients. METHODS: Patients aged 7 to 18 years presenting with portal hypertension and/or cirrhosis underwent ECE (PillCam ESO 2, Given Imaging Ltd.) followed by EGD. RESULTS: 102 patients were screened, 81 (52 boys; mean age 13.96â±â0.25 years) were included and 21 were excluded (16 for "candy test" failure). Esophageal varices were identified by EGD in 62 patients (77â%) and by ECE in 57 patients (70â%) using the de Franchis classification (DFC). The sensitivity of ECE for esophageal varices was 92â% and the specificity was 100â% using DFC. Based upon 57/81 patients with small, medium, and large varices on both ECE and EGD, using DFC, the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 55â%, 92â%, 89â%, and 63â%, respectively, giving a total overall accuracy of 72â%. To improve sensitivity and specificity in classification of esophageal varices, we propose using a modified score. This score detected esophageal varices with 100â% sensitivity, 93â% specificity, 94â% PPV, and 100â% NPV, giving a total overall accuracy of 97â%. All patients preferred ECE over EGD. No capsule retention was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: ECE is a well-tolerated and safe procedure in children. Using the modified score, the sensitivity of ECE is currently sufficient to detect esophageal varices and replace EGD in infants with suspicion of esophageal varices or when EGD is refused.
