Confocal Laser Microscopy for Detection of Early Carcinoma

Miniprobe confocal laser microscopy demonstrates a high negative predictive value for endoscopically “invisible” high-grade dysplasia.

Endoscopic surveillance is the standard of care in patients with Barrett esophagus, but the efficacy of this practice is widely debated. Biopsy protocols recommend random four-quadrant biopsies every 1 to 2 cm of BE, as well as directed biopsies of focal identifiable abnormalities. However, because early high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early carcinoma might not be macroscopically visible, random biopsy protocols might be subject to sampling errors in patients with significant abnormalities. Several techniques have been tested to amplify detection of significant lesions beyond standard white-light endoscopy, with variable results. Now, researchers have evaluated the use of miniprobe confocal laser microscopy (CLM) for detecting BE neoplasia w…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors