Quantitative diagnosis of colorectal polyps by spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic techniques and colorectal diseases: Current status and its future

Colorectal diseases are increasing due to altered lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Colonoscopy plays an important role in diagnosis. Advances in colonoscope (ultrathin scope, magnetic scope, capsule) and technological gadgets (Balloon assisted scope, third eye retroscope, NaviAid G-EYE, dye-based chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, i-SCAN, etc.) have made colonoscopy more comfortable and efficient. Now in-vivo microscopy can be performed using confocal laser endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, spectroscopy, etc. Besides developments in diagnostic colonoscopy, therapeutic colonoscopy has improved to manage lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, obstruction, perforations, resection polyps, and early colorectal cancers. The introduction of combined endo-laparoscopic surgery and robotic endoscopic surgery has made these interventions feasible. The role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases is also increasing day by day. Hence, this article is to review cutting-edge developments in endoscopic principles for the management of colorectal diseases.

Tissue Elasticity as a Diagnostic Marker of Molecular Mutations in Morphologically Heterogeneous Colorectal Cancer

The presence of molecular mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a decisive factor in selecting the most effective first-line therapy. However, molecular analysis is routinely performed only in a limited number of patients with remote metastases. We propose to use tissue stiffness as a marker of the presence of molecular mutations in CRC samples. For this purpose, we applied compression optical coherence elastography (C-OCE) to calculate stiffness values in regions corresponding to specific CRC morphological patterns (n = 54). In parallel to estimating stiffness, molecular analysis from the same zones was performed to establish their relationships. As a result, a high correlation between the presence of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF driver mutations and high stiffness values was revealed regardless of CRC morphological pattern type. Further, we proposed threshold stiffness values for label-free targeted detection of molecular alterations in CRC tissues: for KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF driver mutation-above 803 kPa (sensitivity-91%; specificity-80%; diagnostic accuracy-85%), and only for KRAS driver mutation-above 850 kPa (sensitivity-90%; specificity-88%; diagnostic accuracy-89%). To conclude, C-OCE estimation of tissue stiffness can be used as a clinical diagnostic tool for preliminary screening of genetic burden in CRC tissues.

Towards targeted colorectal cancer biopsy based on tissue morphology assessment by compression optical coherence elastography

Identifying the precise topography of cancer for targeted biopsy in colonoscopic examination is a challenge in current diagnostic practice. For the first time we demonstrate the use of compression optical coherence elastography (C-OCE) technology as a new functional OCT modality for differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues in colon and detecting their morphological features on the basis of measurement of tissue elastic properties. The method uses pre-determined stiffness values (Young’s modulus) to distinguish between different morphological structures of normal (mucosa and submucosa), benign tumor (adenoma) and malignant tumor tissue (including cancer cells, gland-like structures, cribriform gland-like structures, stromal fibers, extracellular mucin). After analyzing in excess of fifty tissue samples, a threshold stiffness value of 520 kPa was suggested above which areas of colorectal cancer were detected invariably. A high Pearson correlation (r =0.98; p <0.05), and a negligible bias (0.22) by good agreement of the segmentation results of C-OCE and histological (reference standard) images was demonstrated, indicating the efficiency of C-OCE to identify the precise localization of colorectal cancer and the possibility to perform targeted biopsy. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of C-OCE to differentiate morphological subtypes of colorectal cancer – low-grade and high-grade colorectal adenocarcinomas, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and cribriform patterns. The obtained ex vivo results highlight prospects of C-OCE for high-level colon malignancy detection. The future endoscopic use of C-OCE will allow targeted biopsy sampling and simultaneous rapid analysis of the heterogeneous morphology of colon tumors.

Advances in endoscopy for colorectal polyp detection and classification

While colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening, recent advancements in endoscopes have allowed for improved visualization of the colonic mucosa and improved polyp detection rates. Newer technologies also allow for assessment of structural changes for polyp discrimination and determination of histologic type. Classification of polyps prevents the need for a histopathologic report, which requires the additional time and expertise of a pathologist and adds to the overall cost. This review considered advances in endoscopic technologies reported in PubMed over the past 12 years. Technologies that allow for increased visual field of colonic mucosa and may lead to improved colon polyp detection rates include cap-assisted colonoscopy, RetroView, extra-wide-angle view colonoscope, full-spectrum endoscopy, Third Eye Retroscope, NaviAid G-EYE balloon colonoscope, EndoRings, and Endocuff. Image-enhancing methods allow for pit pattern analysis of colorectal lesions, which enables the physician to classify colorectal polyps according to certain polyp characteristics. Image-enhancing methods include chromoendoscopy, autofluorescence, and virtual chromoendoscopy, including narrow band imaging, i-SCAN, flexible spectral imaging chromoendoscopy, and STORZ professional image enhancement systems. In addition, advancements have been made in in vivo microscopic evaluation of colonic epithelium, including confocal laser endomicroscopy, endocytoscopy, optical coherence tomography, spectroscopy, and autofluorescence spectroscopy. Colon capsule endoscopy also has a role in colon polyp detection and classification. The advancements in polyp detection and classification have great promise for earlier detection and removal of advanced adenomas before they advance to colorectal cancer.

The Angular Spectrum of the Scattering Coefficient Map Reveals Subsurface Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer diagnosis currently relies on histological detection of endoluminal neoplasia in biopsy specimens. However, clinical visual endoscopy provides no quantitative subsurface cancer information. In this ex vivo study of nine fresh human colon specimens, we report the first use of quantified subsurface scattering coefficient maps acquired by swept-source optical coherence tomography to reveal subsurface abnormities. We generate subsurface scattering coefficient maps with a novel wavelet-based-curve-fitting method that provides significantly improved accuracy. The angular spectra of scattering coefficient maps of normal tissues exhibit a spatial feature distinct from those of abnormal tissues. An angular spectrum index to quantify the differences between the normal and abnormal tissues is derived, and its strength in revealing subsurface cancer in ex vivo samples is statistically analyzed. The study demonstrates that the angular spectrum of the scattering coefficient map can effectively reveal subsurface colorectal cancer and potentially provide a fast and more accurate diagnosis.

Giant tubular adenoma with malignancy clinical characteristics in a female teenager: Case report and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Adenomas of the colon are usually benign tumors which carry a tendency for malignancy. These tumors can be villous, tubular, tubulovillous, or sessile serrated. Those with adenomatous structure can develop malignant characteristics in 1.5% to 9.4% of cases.

METHODS

We present a case report of a 16-year-old female adolescent with an adenoma of the descending colon. History revealed prolonged diarrheic syndrome for the past 6 months, repeated headache, and a weight loss of ∼5 kg in the past month. One week before the admission, the patient presented an episode of inferior digestive hemorrhage.

RESULTS

On admission laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anemia, and a mildly increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The abdominal ultrasound revealed an inhomogeneous mass of the descending colon and 2 hyperechoic lesions in the liver. The colonoscopy showed a tumor of the descending colon, a tubular adenoma according to the pathological examination. Additionally, we noted an atypical presentation of the tumor and the signs of mild dysplasia identified at the pathological examination.

CONCLUSION

Weight loss, bowel transit alterations, loss of appetite, and inferior hemorrhage in an adolescent can be symptoms of a benign or malignant tumor of the colon.