Randomized comparison of 3 different-sized biopsy forceps for quality of sampling in Barrett's esophagus

Poor agreement between biopsies and endoscopic submucosal dissection specimens of Esophageal and Gastric Epithelial Lesions in a western setting

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic forceps biopsy is the primary method for obtaining mucosal tissues, but can lead to false negatives.

AIMS

To assess the agreement between endoscopic biopsies and submucosal dissection specimens in esophageal and gastric epithelial lesions and to identify factors associated.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study using data from the Spanish national multicenter endoscopic submucosal dissection register. Patients, lesions and technical characteristics were prospectively collected. Prognostic factors for discrepancies were analyzed.

RESULTS

604 endoscopic submucosal dissection with previous biopsies were performed between January 2016 and December 2023 across 32 centers. 48.7% presented disagreement between biopsies and endoscopic submucosal dissection; specifically, 40.4% were underestimated by endoscopic biopsy. Carcinoma was detected in 270 endoscopic submucosal dissection specimens, with 54.8% not suspected on the initial biopsy. The carcinomas already diagnosed with the biopsy presented more submucosal and lymphovascular invasion. Notably, a larger lesion (≥ 22 mm) was a significant predictor for histological upstaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of disagreement between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic submucosal dissection highlights biopsies limitations in accurately diagnosing esophageal and gastric epithelial lesions. In this setting, endoscopic submucosal dissection should be used not only as a treatment option, but also as a valuable diagnostic tool.

Transnasal Endoscopy Acquires Esophageal Biopsies Adequate for Comprehensive Pathology Evaluation in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) does not require general anesthesia, an attractive characteristic for monitoring eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We evaluated the adequacy of TNE-obtained esophageal biopsies using the EoE Histology Scoring System (EoEHSS).

METHODS

The Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders database was searched for esophageal biopsies obtained by the same endoscopist, using either TNE or conventional endoscopy (CE). Whole-slide biopsy images were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney test was used for median (interquartile range) values and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. P ≤ .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Median age (P = .82) or height (P = .83) did not differ between TNE (n = 17) and CE (n = 17) groups. Although median largest piece size (mm2) differed between the groups (TNE: 0.59 (0.45, 0.86), CE: 2.24 (1.09, 2.82), P < .001), all 8 EoEHSS features were evaluated in each group; only 1 feature (lamina propria fibrosis) was missing in both groups (TNE: 19/34, CE: 11/34, P = .09). The median peak eosinophil count/high-power field differed (TNE: 3 (0, 29), CE: 16 (1, 66), P = .03), but overall grade (TNE: 0.17 (0.10, 0.29), CE: 0.22 (0.14, 0.46), P = .12), stage (TNE: 0.14 (0.10, 0.24), CE: 0.20 (0.10, 0.43), P = .15), and non-eosinophil-related individual EoEHSS scores did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

TNE- and CE-obtained esophageal biopsies are similarly sufficient for evaluation of key pathological features in EoE.

Surveillance of neo-squamous epithelium after ablation of Barrett's esophagus: is it better to use jumbo over standard biopsy forceps?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As obtaining adequate tissue on biopsy is critical for the detection of residual and recurrent intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients undergone Barrett's endoscopic eradication therapy (BET), we decided to compare the adequacy of biopsy specimens using jumbo versus standard biopsy forceps.

METHODS

This is a two-center study of patients' post-radiofrequency ablation of dysplastic BE. After BET, jumbo (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.8 mm) or standard (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.2 mm) biopsy forceps were utilized to obtain surveillance biopsies from the neo-squamous epithelium. Presence of lamina propria and proportion of squamous epithelium with partial or full thickness lamina propria was recorded by two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists who were blinded. Squamous epithelial biopsies that contained at least two-thirds of lamina propria were considered 'adequate'.

RESULTS

In a total of 211 biopsies from 55 BE patients, 145 biopsies (29 patients, 18 males, mean age 61 years, interquartile range [IQR] 33-83) were obtained using jumbo forceps and 66 biopsies (26 patients, all males, mean age 65 years, IQR 56-76) using standard forceps biopsies. Comparing jumbo versus standard forceps, the proportion of specimens with any subepithelial lamina propria was 51.7% versus 53%, P = 0.860 and the presence of adequate subepithelial lamina propria was 17.9% versus 9.1%, P = 0.096 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of jumbo forceps does not appear to have added advantage over standard forceps to obtain adequate biopsy specimens from the neo-squamous mucosa post-ablation.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Early Superficial Flat Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia: A Comprehensive Review

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma comprises the majority of esophageal carcinoma in the Eastern Asia. The need of early detection of precancerous neoplastic lesions and cancer has been necessitated due to the probability of progression to the advanced stage and its poor prognosis. In recent times, many endoscopic modalities have come into practice for early detection and treatment. Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been recommended as an efficient therapy in treating the dysplastic mucosa in Barrett's esophagus (BE). Its potential in reversing neoplastic lesions in squamous epithelium has been gradually explored. This article is aimed at reviewing the current evidence regarding the use of RFA on esophageal squamous cell neoplasia.

Anatomic location of Barrett's esophagus recurrence after endoscopic eradication therapy: development of a simplified surveillance biopsy strategy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Surveillance endoscopy is recommended after endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) for Barrett's esophagus (BE) because of the risk of recurrence. Currently recommended biopsy protocols are based on expert opinion and consist of sampling visible lesions followed by random 4-quadrant biopsy sampling throughout the length of the original BE segment. Despite this protocol, some recurrences are not visibly identified. We aimed to identify the anatomic location and histology of recurrences after successful EET with the goal of developing a more efficient and evidence-based surveillance biopsy protocol.

METHODS

We performed an analysis of a large multicenter database of 443 patients who underwent EET and achieved complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) from 2005 to 2015. The endoscopic location of recurrence relative to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ), visible recurrence identified during surveillance endoscopy, and time to recurrence after CE-IM were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with BE recurrence were studied in the final analysis. Seventeen patients (34%) had nonvisible recurrences. In this group, biopsy specimens demonstrating recurrence were taken from within 2 cm of the SCJ in 16 of these 17 patients (94%). Overall, 49 of 50 recurrences (98%) occurred either within 2 cm of the SCJ or at the site of a visible lesion. Late recurrences (>1 year) were more likely to be visible than early (<1 year) recurrences (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence after EET detected by random biopsy sampling is identified predominately in the distal esophagus and occurs earlier than visible recurrences. As such, we suggest a modified biopsy protocol with targeted sampling of visible lesions followed by random biopsy sampling within 2 cm of the SCJ to optimize detection of recurrence after EET. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02634645.).

Subsquamous intestinal metaplasia is common in treatment-naïve Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Barrett's intestinal metaplasia may extend beneath normal squamous epithelium at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) and therefore escape surveillance biopsy sampling. The prevalence of subsquamous intestinal metaplasia (SSIM) in patients undergoing Barrett's esophagus (BE) surveillance is unknown. Our aim was to examine the prevalence and distribution of SSIM proximal to the SCJ in patients undergoing BE surveillance.

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive patients with biopsy specimen-proven BE. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the squamous epithelium at 5 mm and 10 mm above the SCJ. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with SSIM at each level. We further assessed factors associated with SSIM.

RESULTS

We examined 515 squamous epithelial biopsy specimens from 106 BE patients (95% men; mean age, 66 years) with a mean Barrett's length of 3.0 cm. SSIM was present in 39% at 5 mm (95% CI, 29.4-48.6) and 21% (95% CI, 11.7-32.1) at 10 mm proximal to the SCJ. Among all biopsy specimens, 13% (95% CI, 10.6-16.6) contained SSIM: 17% (95% CI, 13-21.6) of biopsy samples at 5 mm and 8% (95% CI, 4.3-12.2) at 10 mm proximal to the SCJ. SSIM was more common in the anterior/right lateral position compared with the posterior/left lateral position (21% vs 11%, P = .001). None of the biopsy specimens showed dysplasia. Length of BE or duration of reflux symptoms were not associated with the presence of SSIM.

CONCLUSIONS

This cross-sectional study found a surprisingly high proportion of SSIM in treatment-naïve patients proximal to the SCJ. These findings raise questions regarding BE management and the prevalence of SSIM in normal-appearing esophagus.

Detection and characterization of early malignancy in the esophagus: what is the best management algorithm?

Barrett's esophagus is a known precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Early detection of dysplasia provides a window of opportunity for curative intervention. Several image-enhanced technologies have been developed to improve visualization of neoplasia. These however have not been found to be superior to the standard four quadrant random biopsy protocol. Patients are risk-stratified based on the degree of dysplasia found on biopsies and undergo either surveillance or treatment. Endoscopic therapy has become the mainstay of treatment for early neoplasia.

Improved specimen adequacy using jumbo biopsy forceps in patients with Barrett's esophagus

AIM: To assess the sampling quality of four different forceps (three large capacity and one jumbo) in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

METHODS: This was a prospective, single-blind study. A total of 37 patients with Barrett’s esophagus were enrolled. Targeted or random biopsies with all four forceps were obtained from each patient using a diagnostic endoscope during a single endoscopy. The following forceps were tested: A: FB-220K disposable large capacity; B: BI01-D3-23 reusable large capacity; C: GBF-02-23-180 disposable large capacity; and jumbo: disposable Radial Jaw 4 jumbo. The primary outcome measurement was specimen adequacy, defined as a well-oriented biopsy sample 2 mm or greater with the presence of muscularis mucosa.

RESULTS: A total of 436 biopsy samples were analyzed. We found a significantly higher proportion of adequate biopsy samples with jumbo forceps (71%) (P < 0.001 vs forceps A: 26%, forceps B: 17%, and forceps C: 18%). Biopsies with jumbo forceps had the largest diameter (median 2.4 mm) (P < 0.001 vs forceps A: 2 mm, forceps B: 1.6 mm, and forceps C: 2mm). There was a trend for higher diagnostic yield per biopsy with jumbo forceps (forceps A: 0.20, forceps B: 0.22, forceps C: 0.27, and jumbo: 0.28). No complications related to specimen sampling were observed with any of the four tested forceps.

CONCLUSION: Jumbo biopsy forceps, when used with a diagnostic endoscope, provide more adequate specimens as compared to large-capacity forceps in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

Australian clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal adenocarcinoma

Barrett's esophagus (BE), a common condition, is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). There is uncertainty about the best way to manage BE as most people with BE never develop EAC and most patients diagnosed with EAC have no preceding diagnosis of BE. Moreover, there have been recent advances in knowledge and practice about the management of BE and early EAC. To aid clinical decision making in this rapidly moving field, Cancer Council Australia convened an expert working party to identify pertinent clinical questions. The questions covered a wide range of topics including endoscopic and histological definitions of BE and early EAC; prevalence, incidence, natural history, and risk factors for BE; and methods for managing BE and early EAC. The latter considered modification of lifestyle factors; screening and surveillance strategies; and medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions. To answer each question, the working party systematically reviewed the literature and developed a set of recommendations through consensus. Evidence underpinning each recommendation was rated according to quality and applicability.

Risk stratification of patients with barrett's esophagus and low-grade dysplasia or indefinite for dysplasia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), progressing at variable rates. Patients at higher risk for progression could benefit from intervention. We assessed rates of progression of LGD and indefinite for dysplasia (IND) and risk factors for progression to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and EAC.

METHODS

We analyzed data from Cleveland Clinic Barrett's Registry on patients with BE and LGD or IND at least 1 year of follow-up from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2012. Prevalent cases were those diagnosed at or within 1 year of the first endoscopy, and the rest were incident cases.

RESULTS

Among 299 patients with BE and LGD or IND, there were 32 cases of HGD and 10 cases of EAC during a follow-up period of 1577.4 patient-years. The annual incidence rates were 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7%-3.3%) for HGD, 0.6% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.2%) for EAC, and 2.7% (95% CI, 1.9%-3.6%) for HGD or EAC. The rates were higher in men than in women with BE and LGD or IND. Prevalent cases were 3-fold more likely to progress than incident cases. Multifocality and nodules were associated with higher risk of progression to HGD or EAC. None of the patients with IND at index biopsy developed EAC. For every 5-year increase in age, chance of regression increased by 7% (P = .04). Also, for every 1-cm increase in BE length, probability of regression decreased by 6% (P = .016). LGD at index biopsy was associated with 56% lower chance of regression compared with IND (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of a database analysis of patients with BE, prevalent LGD, male sex, multifocality, and nodules were associated with higher risk for progression to EAC. Older age at LGD diagnosis, IND at index biopsy, and shorter BE length were associated with regression. These findings help in risk stratification of patients with BE and LGD or IND.

Barrett's oesophagus diagnostic criteria: endoscopy and histology

This review summarizes the endoscopic and histologic features of Barrett's oesophagus(BO) as well as some of the recent advancements and controversies. BO represents metaplastic conversion of normal squamous epithelium of tubular oesophagus to columnar epithelium. The diagnosis of BO requires a combination of endoscopic and histopathologic findings. There is worldwide controversy regarding the exact definition of BO, particularly with regard to the requirement to histologically identify goblet cells in biopsies. The presence and detectability of goblet cells might vary depending on a variety of factors and is subject to sampling error. Therefore, a systematic biopsy sampling with sufficient number of biopsies is currently recommended to limit the likelihood of a false negative result for detection of goblet cells. There are both endoscopic and pathologic challenges in evaluating gastro-oesophageal junction biopsies in patients with irregular Z lines to determine the exact location of the sample (i.e., oesophagus versus stomach). Recently, several novel endoscopic techniques have been developed to improve BO detection. However, none have been validated yet in clinical practice. The surveillance of patients with BO relies on histologic evaluation of dysplasia. However, there are significant pathologic limitations and diagnostic variability in evaluating the presence and grading of BO dysplasia, particularly with regard to the more recently recognized non-intestinal types of dysplasia. All BO dysplasia samples should be reviewed by an expert gastrointestinal pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. Finally, it is important to emphasize that close interaction between gastroenterologists and pathologists is essential to ensure proper evaluation of endoscopic biopsies in order to optimize the surveillance and clinical management of patients with BO.

A randomized trial to determine the diagnostic accuracy of conventional vs. jumbo forceps biopsy of gastric epithelial neoplasias before endoscopic submucosal dissection; open-label study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Larger biopsy specimens or increasing the number of biopsies may improve the diagnostic accuracy of gastric epithelial neoplasia (GEN). The aims of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracies between conventional and jumbo forceps biopsy of GEN before endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and to confirm that increasing the number of biopsies is useful for the diagnosis of GEN.

RESULTS

The concordance rate between EFB and ESD specimens was not significantly different between the two groups [83.1 % (54/65) in JG vs. 79.1 % (53/67) in CG]. On multivariate analyses, two or four EFBs significantly increased the cumulating concordance rate [coefficients; twice: 5.1 (P = 0.01), four times: 5.9 (P = 0.02)]. But, the concordance rate was decreased in high grade dysplasia (coefficient -40.32, P = 0.006).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and sixty GENs from 148 patients were randomized into two groups and finally 67 GENs in 61 patients and 65 GENs in 63 patients were allocated to the conventional group (CG) or jumbo group (JG), respectively. Four endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) specimens were obtained from each lesion with conventional (6.8 mm) forceps or jumbo (8 mm) forceps. The histological concordance rate between 4 EFB specimens and ESD specimens was investigated in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Before ESD, the diagnostic accuracy of GENs was significantly increased not by the use of jumbo forceps biopsy but by increasing the number of biopsies.

Advanced technologies for gastrointestinal endoscopy

The gastrointestinal tract is home to some of the most deadly human diseases. Exacerbating the problem is the difficulty of accessing it for diagnosis or intervention and the concomitant patient discomfort. Flexible endoscopy has established itself as the method of choice and its diagnostic accuracy is high, but there remain technical limitations in modern scopes, and the procedure is poorly tolerated by patients, leading to low rates of compliance with screening guidelines. Although advancement in clinical endoscope design has been slow in recent years, a critical mass of enabling technologies is now paving the way for the next generation of gastrointestinal endoscopes. This review describes current endoscopes and provides an overview of innovative flexible scopes and wireless capsules that can enable painless endoscopy and/or enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. We provide a perspective on the potential of these new technologies to address the limitations of current endoscopes in mass cancer screening and other contexts and thus to save many lives.