Histologic characteristics of gastric polyps in Korea: Emphasis on discrepancy between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic mucosal resection specimen

Endoscopic or Follow-up Treatment for Gastric Indeterminate Tumors Is the Preferred Method of Management

Background

Endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) lacks precision in diagnosing indeterminate tumors. When the presence of early gastric cancer (EGC) is macroscopically suspected, but biopsy pathology fails to give a diagnosis of neoplasia, it causes problems in clinical management. The purpose of this study was to discuss the outcome of gastric indeterminate tumors and the clinical factors associated with predicting EGC.

Methods

The medical records of 209 patients diagnosed with gastric indeterminate neoplasia by biopsy forceps were retrospectively studied. Initial endoscopic findings were analyzed and predictors of EGC were evaluated.

Results

The final pathological diagnosis in 209 patients included adenocarcinoma (n = 7), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 11), low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 21), and non-neoplastic lesion (n = 170). Multivariate analysis showed that older age (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.17–2.71; p = 0.008), patients undergoing narrow band imaging (NBI) (OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 1.37–8.43; p = 0.008), and surface erosion (OR = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.41–8.84; p = 0.007) were associated with the upgraded group, and were significantly associated with risk. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that among patients with NBI, the presence of demarcation line (DL) (OR = 24.00; 95% CI = 4.99–115.36; p < 0.0001), microvascular (MV) pattern irregularity (OR = 9.129; 95% CI = 2.36–35.34; p = 0.001), and the presence of white opaque substance (WOS) (OR = 10.77; 95% CI = 1.14–101.72; p = 0.038) were significant risk factors.

Conclusions

For gastric indeterminate tumors, older patient age, lesion surface with erosion, clear DL visible under NBI observation, presence of WOS, and irregular MV pattern are suggestive of the high possibility of neoplasia and need to be focused on and may benefit more from endoscopic resection treatment as opposed to simple endoscopic follow-up.

Comparative analysis of differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathological examination for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to compare the differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy (PEB) and postoperative pathological examination (PPE) for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN).

METHODS

From September 2016 to July 2019, 188 consecutive patients with GIN at Yuyao People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The 188 patients had 218 GIN lesions. All patients underwent PEB and either endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment. PPE was performed on pathological tissues that had been surgically removed.

RESULTS

Among 138 cases of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) diagnosed by PEB, 46 were upgraded to high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 20 were upgraded to early gastric cancer (EGC), and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 42 cases of HGD, 23 were upgraded to EGC, 2 were downgraded to LGD, and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 38 cases of EGC, 1 was downgraded to HGD and 2 were downgraded to LGD after PPE. The original diagnosis was maintained after the operation in 120 cases of GIN.

CONCLUSION

Biopsy did not fully reflect the lesions of GIN. Biopsy review should be actively performed, and the lesions should be clarified by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgery.

Analysis of gastroscopy results among healthy people undergoing a medical checkup: a retrospective study

Background

The association of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings with sex, age, and Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic healthy people is unclear. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the associations of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in asymptomatic healthy people with sex, age, and H. pylori infection.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 2923 patients from a health examination center in Xiangya Hospital between September 2015 and September 2019. Data on sex, age, H. pylori infection, and gastroscopy results were collected.

Results

Among 2923 asymptomatic patients who underwent gastroscopy, 2911 (99.59%) had abnormal results. The top three results were chronic gastritis (95.11%), peptic ulcer (17.45%), and duodenitis (9.17%). Inflammation of the gastric mucosa in chronic gastritis was more severe in the H. pylori-positive group. The incidence of peptic ulcer decreased with increasing age and was higher in men, patients aged < 30 years, and H. pylori-positive patients. The incidence of polyps was higher in women (9.54%) than in men (5.94%), and the incidence in individuals aged ≥60 years (11.63%) was higher than that in those aged < 60 years (6.83%). The pathological results of gastric polyps depended on the location of the lesion.

Conclusion

The incidence of abnormal upper gastrointestinal endoscopic results is high in asymptomatic healthy people undergoing a check-up and is associated with sex, age, and H. pylori infection. Gastroscopy should be considered part of a routine health check.

Impact of endoscopic sedation on gastric polyp detection: A one-center retrospective observational study

Sedation esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has become more prevalent in many countries. However, owing to the limitation of health insurance payment for sedation EGD in Taiwan, non-sedation EGD still accounts for the majority of cases. This study was aimed to explore the differences between the sedation and non-sedation groups in terms of endoscopic findings, such as detection rate of gastric polyp of any size, number of detected gastric polyps, and location of the gastric polyps detected.We enrolled 10,940 patients who underwent EGD between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 at the Tri-Service General Hospital; among the patients, 1900 received intravenous sedation (IVS) and 9040 did not. The data reviewed included demographics, parameters of the polyp (number, size, and location), and pathology.Compared with the non-sedation group, the sedation group had a higher overall polyp detection rate (P < .001); a greater number of detected polyps (Odds ratio 1.50, P = .007); and a higher detection rate of smaller polyps, such as fundic gland polyp, and hyperplastic polyp (P < .001). Among the pathological findings, gastric neuroendocrine tumor (NET) was detected using EGD in 2 cases and manifested as small polyps (<0.05 cm), and it showed significantly better detection rates in the sedation EGD group than in the non-sedation EGD group (P = .002).Sedation EGD could enhance a patients willingness and cooperation during EGD. Furthermore, sedation EGD increased the detection rates of small gastric polyps and was more likely to enable identification of unusual findings, such as gastric NET.

Endoscopic and histopathological features of the upper gastrointestinal system polyps: evaluation of 12.563 procedures

Objectives

With the widespread use of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in recent years, upper gastrointestinal system polyps have started to be encountered more often. Although most patients with gastric polyps are asymptomatic, these are important due to their malign potential, and gastric cancer may develop if left untreated.

Material and Methods

Records of 12.563 patients who underwent EGD at Kartal Kosuyolu High Specialization Health Application and Research Center for any reason between January 2013 and June 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with at least 1 histopathologically proven polyp were included in this study.

Results

A total of 12.563 endoscopic procedures of the upper gastrointestinal system were investigated and 353 (2.8%) polypoid lesions were detected. Mean age of these patients was 56.3 years and 241 (68.3%) of the patients were female. Gastric polyps were found most commonly in the antrum (50.1%) and of all gastric polyps, 245 (69.5%) were less than 1 cm. Histopathological evaluation showed that hyperplastic polyp (HP) (n= 151, 42.8%) was the most common polyp type, followed by fundic gastric polyp (FGP) (n= 51, 14.4%). Non-polyp gastric mucosa evaluation of 298 patients revealed that 34.9% of the cases were Helicobacter pylori positive, 19.4% had intestinal metaplasia, and 11.4% had atrophic gastritis.

Conclusion

Polyps of the upper gastrointestinal system are generally detected coincidentally as they have no specific symptoms. Polypectomy is required for gastric polyps because of their potential for malign transformation according to medical evidence.

Histopathologic discrepancies between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection specimens in superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic forceps biopsy results that reflect the final pathologic results of an entire lesion are essential for making accurate diagnoses and appropriate therapeutic decisions for patients with superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms (SESNs). This study investigated the histopathologic discrepancies between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection specimens to elucidate the factors contributing to such discrepancies.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study involved 77 patients (84 lesions) who underwent endoscopic resections for SESNs, between January 2005 and August 2017, at the Pusan National University Hospital. The SESNs were classified as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasms (LGINs), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasms (HGINs), or squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Following slide reviews, the histopathologic concordance between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection specimens was assessed, in each case.

RESULTS

The histopathologic discrepancy rate between the endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection specimens was 34.5% (29/84 lesions). Among the 29 diagnostically discordant lesions, upgrades and downgrades of the histopathologic diagnoses occurred for 27 and 2 lesions, respectively. The predominant discrepancies results in lesion upgrades from HGIN to SCC (n = 21) and from LGIN to SCC (n = 5). The two downgraded cases included one from SCC to HGIN and one from HGIN to LGIN. Multivariate analyses identified two factors that were significantly associated with the histopathologic discrepancies: upper esophageal location (odds ratio, 7.743; 95% confidence interval, 1.031-58.174; P = 0.047) and tumor area per biopsy ≥ 158.6 mm² /biopsy (odds ratio, 5.933; 95% confidence interval, 1.051-44.483; P = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

Histopathologic discrepancies were observed between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection specimens in patients with SESNs. Tumor location and tumor area/biopsy were both significantly associated with the discrepancies.

Endoscopic management of patients with early gastric cancer before and after endoscopic resection: A review

With the wide application of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer (EGC) by not only Asian endoscopists but also those from Western countries, reviews on standardized treatment processes before and after endoscopic resection are nevertheless lacking. In this article we provide a narrative review of studies on the selection of appropriate EGC for endoscopic resection and the follow-up strategies for those with histologically confirmed EGC after endoscopic resection. EGC should be comprehensively assessed before endoscopic resection, including its exact margin, invasive depth and risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM). While the curative resection status of EGC may be evaluated after endoscopic resection based on the newly developed eCura system, although this needs to be further verified. Surveillance with endoscopy and computed tomography scan is necessary for patients with an EGC level A or B. An additional endoscopic resection is recommended for patients with a level-C1 EGC. For patients with a level-C2 EGC, close follow-up is suggested for low-risk tumors of level C2 and additional surgery for those at high risks. Further postoperative strategy is suggested based on comprehensive assessment of the risk of LNM, patient's quality of life and wishes.

Analysis of endoscopic features for histologic discrepancies between biopsy and endoscopic submucosal dissection in gastric neoplasms: 10-year results

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The histologic discrepancies between preoperative endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) specimens sometimes confuse the endoscope operator. This study aimed to analyze the limitation of the biopsy-based diagnosis before ESD and to evaluate which factors affect the discordant pathologic results between EFB and ESD.

METHODS

A total of 1427 patients, who were diagnosed with gastric adenoma by EFB, were enrolled. Cancer confirmed on EFB was excluded (n = 513). We retrospectively reviewed cases and compared histologic diagnoses in the biopsy sample with the final diagnosis in the endoscopically resected specimen.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was upgraded (from low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma, or from high-grade dysplasia to adenocarcinoma) in 328 cases (23.0%), concordant in 944 (66.1%), and downgraded (from high-grade dysplasia to low-grade dysplasia or non-neoplasia, or from low-grade dysplasia to non-neoplasia) in 155 (10.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that surface ulceration and depressed lesions were associated with significant risk factors for upgrading. Age younger than 60 years and size <1 cm were associated with significant factors for downgrading.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful endoscopic observation should consider size, ulceration, and depression to ensure accurate diagnosis when a gastric neoplasm is suspected.

Histologic discrepancy between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic mucosal resection specimens of colorectal polyp in actual clinical practice

Background/Aims

We aimed to assess the rate of histologic discrepancy (HD) between endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) and totally resected specimens in colorectal polyp and analyze the risk factors of discordant group, especially under-diagnosis (UD) cases before complete removal of colorectal polyp.

Methods

From 2010 to 2015, a total of 290 polyps in 210 patients which had baseline pathology report before endoscopic resection (ER) were analyzed. UD cases were defined as those in which the diagnosis changed to a more advanced histologic feature after ER.

Results

A change in the final histology after ER was noted in 137 cases (47.2%), and after excluding 9 insignificant cases, 128 cases were further categorized into over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed group. UD occurred in 86 cases (29.7%) and change from benign to malignancy was noted in 26 cases (8.9%). On univariate analysis, a larger polyp size (>10 mm) was significantly associated with both HD (P<0.001) and UD (P<0.001). Regarding polyp morphology, protruding or flat was not significantly important. On multivariate analysis, polyp size >10 mm was the single most significant predictor of both HD (P<0.001) and UD (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The HD and UD rates were 47.2% and 29.7%, respectively. Polyp size >10 mm was the most important predictor of both HD and UD. We should be careful in making treatment strategy of colorectal polyp based on histologic report of EFB especially when the size of polyp is >10 mm.

Gastric Cancer Caused by Adenoma: Predictive Factors Associated with Lesions Other Than the Expanded Indications

Background/Aims

We aimed to investigate whether the current indications for curative endoscopic resection (ER) of gastric cancer (GC) can be applied to GC caused by adenoma. Additionally, we attempted to identify factors predictive of lesions subsequently found in addition to the expanded indications for ER.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 342 patients diagnosed with GC caused by adenoma who underwent ER at a single tertiary center between February 2011 and December 2014. The gross whole tumor size was measured using the endoscopically resected specimen. The microscopic whole tumor size was measured using mapping paper. The estimated cancer size was calculated using the microscopic whole tumor size and the square root of the carcinoma component.

Results

A gross whole tumor size ≥3 cm, carcinoma component ≥35%, and gross ulceration were predictive of lesions other than the expanded indications for ER. The overall rate of lymph node metastasis was 0.3% (1/327), which only occurred in one patient with a lesion other than the expanded indications (4.5%, 1/22).

Conclusions

The current indications for curative ER in GC can be applied to GC caused by adenoma. In cases suspected of having lesions other than the expanded indications, patients should be cautiously selected for ER to reduce the risk of an inappropriate procedure.

Role of targeted biopsy under magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging may be not necessary: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Targeted biopsy under the guidance of magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (ME-NBI) has higher accuracy than endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) in the differential diagnosis of cancerous lesions from noncancerous lesions. The aims of this study were to validate diagnostic efficacy of targeted biopsy under the guidance of ME-NBI (MNTB) and further evaluate whether it is necessary to perform MNTB when combined with ME-NBI.

METHODS

This study prospectively analyzed 211 gastric lesions of suspected cancerous tissues. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EFB, ME-NBI, MNTB, EFB plus ME-NBI, and MNTB plus ME-NBI for the diagnosis of cancerous lesions were determined, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of EFB and MNTB, EFB plus ME-NBI, and MNTB plus ME-NBI were also compared, respectively.

RESULTS

The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with 95% confidence intervals were 68.2% (61.4-74.4%), 62.3% (54.1-69.9%), 84.2% (71.6-92.1%) for EFB, 75.4% (68.9-80.9%), 72.7% (64.9-79.4%), 82.5% (69.6-90.8%) for MNTB, 76.8% (70.4-82.2%), 73.4% (65.5-80.0%), 86.0% (73.7-93.3%) for ME-NBI, 82.0% (76.0-86.8%), 85.7% (79.0-90.6%), 71.9% (58.3-82.6%) for EFB plus ME-NBI, 84.8% (79.1-89.3%), 89.6% (83.4-93.8%), and 71.9% (58.3-82.6%) for MNTB plus ME-NBI, respectively. The sensitivity of MNTB was significantly higher than that of EFB (P=0.048). There was no significant difference in the sensitivity (P=0.307), specificity (P=1.000), and accuracy (P=0.337) between EFB plus ME-NBI and MNTB plus ME-NBI.

CONCLUSION

Although MNTB has a higher diagnostic efficacy than EFB in the diagnosis of cancerous lesions, it may be not necessary to perform MNTB when combined with ME-NBI.

Practical Points in Gastric Pathology

CONTEXT

-The diagnosis of gastric epithelial lesions is difficult in clinical practice, even with the recent developments and advances in endoscopic modalities, owing to the diverse morphologic features of the lesions, lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, and the high intraobserver and interobserver variabilities in the nonneoplastic (regenerative)-neoplastic spectrum.

OBJECTIVE

-To provide an overview of the current concepts and unresolved issues surrounding the diagnosis of diseases in the nonneoplastic-neoplastic spectrum, and to discuss some noteworthy properties and histologic features of gastric epithelial lesions.

DATA SOURCES

-A comprehensive assessment of the medical literature on gastric epithelial lesions was performed; we also interjected our own experiences into the discussion. Sources included original studies, review articles, and textbooks related to the field.

CONCLUSIONS

-Our literature review revealed that clear cell changes and micropapillary carcinoma components in gastric carcinomas are associated with poor clinical outcomes and should hence be included in pathologic reports. Moreover, we suggest a stepwise biopsy-endoscopic resection modality for the diagnosis of borderline neoplasia-nonneoplasia cases.

Gastric polyps: Retrospective analysis of 41,253 upper endoscopies

INTRODUCTION

Gastric polyps are usually asymptomatic lesions incidentally discovered during endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To study the frequency of different types of gastric polyps in our population and their possible association with other factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of gastroscopies performed in a tertiary hospital over a ten-year period. Demographics, medical history, indication for gastroscopy and morphological and histological characteristics of polyps were collected.

RESULTS

Gastric polyps were found in 827 out of 41253 (2%) reviewed gastroscopies, corresponding to 709 patients. Mean age was 65.6 years, and 62% were female. 53.9% of patients had multiple polyps. The most common location was the fundus and 83.3% were smaller than 1cm. Histopathology was obtained in 607 patients: hyperplastic polyps were the most common (42.8%), followed by fundic gland polyps (37.7%). Factors independently associated with hyperplastic polyps were age and single polyp, size ≥6mm and location other than fundus. In contrast, fundic gland polyps were associated with reflux and multiple polyps, size <6mm and located in fundus. Adenomas were independently associated with single polyp.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundic gland and hyperplastic polyps are the most common in our population and have characteristic features that can guide histological diagnosis. With single polyps it is advisable to take biopsies to rule out adenoma.

Can magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging discriminate between carcinomas and low grade adenomas in gastric superficial elevated lesions?

Background and study aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) to discriminate between early carcinomas (EC) and low grade adenomas (LGA) in gastric superficial elevated epithelial neoplasias. Patients and methods: We investigated 100 consecutive cases of gastric superficial elevated epithelial neoplasias that were removed using endoscopic submucosal dissection. The pathological diagnostic criteria were based on the revised Vienna classification; category 4 (mucosal high grade neoplasia) and category 5 (submucosal invasion by carcinoma) lesions were diagnosed as EC, whereas category 3 (mucosal low grade neoplasia) lesions were diagnosed as LGA. The associations between the postoperative pathological diagnoses and the ME-NBI findings were analyzed, and included the shape, specification, and area of irregularity in the microvascular architecture (MV) and the microsurface structure (MS). Results: Seventy-nine EC and 21 LGA cases diagnosed postoperatively were evaluated retrospectively. The lesion size (median; range (mm)) was significantly larger in the EC group (14; 2 - 95) compared to the LGA group (5; 2 - 16) (P < 0.001). Wavy forms in the MV shapes (P = 0.031), extension in the MV specifications (P = 0.035), and area with MV irregularity (P = 0.001) were found to be statistically significant predictive findings for EC. Villous forms in the MS shapes (P = 0.026), enlargement in the MS specifications (P = 0.044), and area with MS irregularity (P = 0.021) were also found to be statistically significant predictive findings for EC. The rates of preoperative sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of ME-NBI for discriminating EC were 86.1 %, 38.9 %, and 75 %, respectively. Conclusions: The present study suggests that ME-NBI is useful for the differential diagnosis of EC and LGA in gastric superficial elevated epithelial neoplasias.

STUDY REGISTRATION

UMIN000012925.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on the fate of gastric polyps

OBJECTIVES

Western guidelines recommend Helicobacter pylori eradication in H. pylori-associated gastric polyps, but Korean medical insurance does not approve its eradication. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric polyps.

METHODS

Participants in a large screening cohort underwent baseline and follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H. pylori testing. The association between gastric polyps and H. pylori was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for confounding factors and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The effect of H. pylori eradication on the fate of polyps was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The screening cohort included 7603 participants (605 gastric polyps: 529 hyperplastic polyps, 63 fundic gland polyps, and 13 adenomas). H. pylori infection showed a positive association with hyperplastic polyps (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.66-2.41), but was inversely related to fundic gland polyps (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02-0.17). Removed polyps by biopsy or endoscopic resection or tiny polyps less than 3 mm at baseline and positive conversion of H. pylori at follow-up were excluded. A total of 7060 persons were finally included to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on the gastric polyp. Successful H. pylori eradication (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.35-0.77) and persistent H. pylori-negative status (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.76) reduced the risk of hyperplastic polyps compared with the persistent H. pylori-positive group. Successful H. pylori eradication markedly induced the disappearance of hyperplastic polyps compared with the persistent H. pylori-positive group (85.0 vs. 29.0%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection increased the risk of hyperplastic polyps in both cross-sectional and longitudinal settings, and its eradication induced regression of hyperplastic polyps.

Upper gastrointestinal tract polyps: what do we know about them?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate upper gastrointestinal polyps detected during esophago- gastroduodenoscopy tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis on data regarding 55,987 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy tests performed at the endoscopy unit of Istanbul Education and Research Hospital between January 2006 and June 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 66 upper gastrointestinal polyps from 59 patients were analyzed. The most common clinical symptom was dyspepsia, observed in 41 cases (69.5%). The localizations of the polyps were as follows: 29 in the antrum (43.9%), 15 in the corpus (22.7%), 11 in the cardia (16.7%), 3 in the fundus (4.54%), 3 in the second portion of the duodenum (4.54%), 2 in the bulbus (3.03%) and 3 in the lower end of the esophagus (4.54%). Histopathological types of polyps included hyperplastic polyps (44) (66.7%), faveolar hyperplasia (8) (12.1%), fundic gland polyps (4) (6.06%), squamous cell polyps (4) (6.06%), hamartomatous polyps (3) (4.54%), and pyloric gland adenoma (3) (4.54%). Histopathological analysis of the gastric mucosa showed chronic atrophic gastritis in 30 cases (50.84%), HP infection in 33 cases (55.9%) and intestinal metaplasia in 19 cases (32.20%). In 3 cases with multiple polyps, adenocarcinoma was detected in hyperplastic polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Among polypoid lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the most common histological type is hyperplastic polyps. Generally, HP infection is associated with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The incidence of adenocarcinoma tends to be higher in patients with multiple hyperplastic polyps.

Risk factors for under-diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia and early gastric carcinoma in endoscopic forceps biopsy in comparison with endoscopic submucosal dissection in Chinese patients

Differences in pathologic diagnosis between endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and early gastric carcinoma (EGC) in Chinese patients remain unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors for under-diagnosed pathology in initial EFB, compared to final ESD. We reviewed endoscopic and histopathologic findings for tumor location, size, macroscopic pattern, nodularity, erythema, erosion, GIN (low and high grade), and EGC diagnosed with the WHO criteria. Differences in those features between EFB and ESD were compared and risk factors for under-diagnosis by EFB were analyzed. Although concordant in most (74.9 %) cases between EFBs and ESDs, pathological diagnoses in 57 (25.1 %) cases were upgraded in ESDs. Compared to the concordant group, the lesion size ≥2 cm, and depressed and excavated patterns were significantly more frequent in the upgraded group. Further multivariate regression analysis demonstrated the depressed pattern and lesion size ≥2 cm as independent risk factors for upgraded pathology with the odds ratio of 5.778 (95 % confidence interval 2.893-11.542) and 2.535 (95 % confidence interval 1.257-5.111), respectively. Lesion size ≥2.0 cm and the depressed pattern at initial EFB were independent risk factors for pathologic upgrade to advanced diseases in ESD. Therefore, these endoscopic characteristics should be considered together with the initial EFB diagnosis to guide the optimal clinical management of patients with GIN and EGC.

Endoscopic Raman Spectroscopy for Molecular Fingerprinting of Gastric Cancer: Principle to Implementation

Currently, positive endoscopic biopsy is the standard criterion for gastric cancer diagnosis but is invasive, often inconsistent, and delayed although early detection and early treatment is the most important policy. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique based on inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. Raman spectrum represents molecular composition of the interrogated volume providing a direct molecular fingerprint. Several investigations revealed that Raman spectroscopy can differentiate normal, dysplastic, and adenocarcinoma gastric tissue with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, this technique can indentify malignant ulcer and showed the capability to analyze the carcinogenesis process. Automated on-line Raman spectral diagnostic system raised possibility to use Raman spectroscopy in clinical field. Raman spectroscopy can be applied in many fields such as guiding a target biopsy, optical biopsy in bleeding prone situation, and delineating the margin of the lesion. With wide field technology, Raman spectroscopy is expected to have specific role in our future clinical field.

Endoscopic resection as a first therapy for gastric epithelial atypia: is it reasonable?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastric atypical cell (GAC), an indefinite pathologic finding, often requires repeated biopsy or other diagnostic treatments, such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or operation (OP). The aim of this study was to analyze the initial endoscopic and histologic findings of GAC and to discuss the necessity of EMR/ESD at establishing a correct diagnosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 96 patients proven as GAC on index forceps biopsy. ESD (17/96, 17.7%), EMR (5/96, 5.2%), OP (20/96, 20.8%), and other treatment or follow-up (54/96, 56.3%) were performed. We analyzed the initial endoscopic and histologic characteristics of GAC lesions, predictive of neoplasm.

RESULTS

After diagnostic modalities, the final pathologic diagnoses were cancer (36/96, 37.6%), dysplasia (9/96, 9.4%), and non-neoplasm (51/96, 53.0%). In univariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.07], lesion size of 10 mm or greater (OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.61-9.61), lesion with depressed type (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.09-5.72), and presence of H. pylori (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.11-7.25) were risk factors for neoplasm. In multivariate analysis, lesion size of 10 mm or greater (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.23-10.66), lesion with depressed type (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.11-7.38) were independent risk factors for cancer.

CONCLUSION

Considering the neoplastic risk of GAC, which could be missed on biopsy, more comprehensive tissue sampling via EMR/ESD might be necessary to establish a definite diagnosis.

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.

Endoscopic features suggesting gastric cancer in biopsy-proven gastric adenoma with high-grade neoplasia

AIM

To elucidate the endoscopic features that predict the cancer following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with high-grade neoplasia (HGN).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent ESD of gastric neoplasms from January 2007 to September 2010. ESD was performed in 555 cases involving 550 patients. A total of 112 lesions from 110 consecutive patients were initially diagnosed as HGN without cancer by forceps biopsy, and later underwent ESD. We classified lesions into two groups according to histologic discrepancies between the biopsy and ESD diagnosis. Gastric adenoma in the final diagnosis by ESD specimens were defined as adenoma group. Lesions with coexisting cancer after ESD were defined as cancer group.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65.3 years, and 81 patients were male. There was no significant difference in the age or gender distribution between the adenoma (n = 52) and cancer (n = 60) groups. Thirty-six of these lesions (32.1%) showed histologic concordance between the forceps biopsy and ESD specimens, 16 (14.3%) showed a downgraded histology (low-grade neoplasia), and 60 (53.6%) showed an upgraded histology (cancer). A red color change of the mucosal surface on endoscopy was found in 27/52 (51.9%) of cases in the adenoma group and in 46/60 (76.7%) of cases in the cancer group (P = 0.006). Ulceration of the mucosal surface on endoscopy was found in 5 (9.6%) of 52 lesions in the adenoma group and in 17 (28.3%) of 60 lesions in the cancer group (P = 0.013). In the multivariate analysis, a reddish surface color change and mucosal ulceration were significant predictive factors correlated with cancer after ESD of the HGN by forceps biopsy.

CONCLUSION

HGN with a red color change or mucosal ulceration correlated with the presence of gastric cancer. These finding may help to guide the diagnosis and treatment.

Discrepancy between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic resection in gastric epithelial neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) is a major diagnostic procedure for gastric epithelial neoplasia (GEN). However, discrepancy between the result of EFB and endoscopic resection (ER) is not uncommon. Thus, there is controversy over whether specimens obtained by EFB are optimal for diagnosis of GEN. We investigated the discrepancy between EFB and ER in the diagnosis of GEN.

METHODS

A total of 1,850 GEN cases were histologically diagnosed with EFB, including 954 low-grade dysplasias (LGDs), 315 high-grade dysplasias (HGDs), and 581 carcinomas. Following diagnosis with EFB, all patients were treated with ER. We retrospectively reviewed the pathologic findings and patient characteristics and analyzed predictors for the discrepancy between the two procedures (largest diameter, number of biopsy fragments, number of biopsy fragments/largest diameter, location, macroscopic type, color, surface unevenness, and erosion).

RESULTS

The overall discrepancy rate between EFB and ER was 31.7 % (587/1,850). Among the discordant group, 440 (23.9 %) cases showed a higher grade of disease after ER; 229 of the 954 LGDs (24.0 %) were diagnosed as HGD or carcinoma, 166 of the 315 HGDs (52.7 %) as carcinoma, and 45 of the 581 differentiated carcinomas (7.7 %) as undifferentiated carcinoma. In the LGD group with EFB, the largest diameter (≥1.8 cm; P < 0.001), surface unevenness (P = 0.014), and depressed macroscopic type (P < 0.001) were factors associated with discrepancy. In the carcinoma group with EFB, flat macroscopic type (P = 0.043) was the only significant factor. In the HGD group with EFB, there were no significant factors for discrepancy.

CONCLUSIONS

EFB can be insufficient for diagnosing GENs, and ER can be considered not only as treatment but also as a diagnostic modality in GEN. It is especially pertinent to all cases of HGD regardless of their endoscopic features and to cases of LGDs with the largest lesion diameter ≥1.8 cm, surface unevenness, or a depressed macroscopic type.

Tissue acquisition in gastric epithelial tumor prior to endoscopic resection

Endoscopic forceps biopsy is essential before planning an endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal epithelial tumors. However, forceps biopsy is limited by its superficiality and frequency of sampling errors. Histologic discrepancies between endoscopic forceps biopsies and resected specimens are frequent. Factors associated with such histologic discrepancies are tumor size, macroscopic type, surface color, and the type of medical facility. Precise targeting of biopsies is recommended to achieve an accurate diagnosis, curative endoscopic resection, and a satisfactory oncologic outcome. Multiple deep forceps biopsies can induce mucosal ulceration in early gastric cancer. Endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer with ulcerative findings is associated with piecemeal resection, incomplete resection, and a risk for procedure-related complications such as bleeding and perforation. Such active ulcers caused by forceps biopsy and following submucosal fibrosis might also be mistaken as an indication for more aggressive procedures, such as gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Proton pump inhibitors might be prescribed to facilitate the healing of biopsy-induced ulcers if an active ulcer is predicted after deep biopsy. It is unknown which time interval from biopsy to endoscopic resection is appropriate for a safe procedure and a good oncologic outcome. Further investigations are needed to conclude the appropriate time interval.

Endoscopic resection for gastric epithelial neoplasia: how to solve pathological discrepancy and achieve curative resection?

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic resection (ER) was introduced to China from Japan, while most pathologists are influenced by Western criteria. Japanese and Western pathologists have debated for decades how best to distinguish between gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIEN) and early gastric cancer (EGC). In this study we aimed to find out how to solve this pathological discrepancy and improve the curative resection of lesions based on our experiences.

METHODS

In total, 143 patients with GIEN or EGC were treated by ER in our hospital from April 2008 to April 2012. The risk factors related to the degree of malignancy of the lesions and the non-curability of ER were analyzed. Pathological discrepancy between forceps biopsies and ER specimens was also compared.

RESULTS

According to the histological types of the ER specimens, there were 67 patients with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), 35 with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and 41 with EGC. The ER histological type was significantly correlated with gender, ER method, macroscopic type, tumor size, ulcer and histological type of the forceps biopsy (P < 0.05). The discrepancy between forceps biopsy and ER specimens was 41.3% (59/143). Furthermore, the depth of tumor invasion and ER histological type were associated with the curative resection of HGIN and EGC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The pathological discrepancy shows that patients with HGIN in forceps biopsy should be considered candidates for ER. The risk factors of lesion malignancy and ER curability indicate the great importance of pretreatment evaluation for ER.

Early-stage gastric cancers represented as dysplasia in a previous forceps biopsy: the importance of clinical management

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Because histological examination of gastric lesions by forceps biopsy is of limited accuracy, management on the basis of histological results is occasionally controversial. We examined the characteristics of early gastric cancers that presented as dysplasia resulting from a previous forceps biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2007 and December 2010, 341 gastric adenocarcinoma lesions from 330 patients previously diagnosed histologically via endoscopic submucosal dissection were examined. We retrospectively assessed the characteristics of early gastric cancer according to their initial forceps biopsy results.

RESULTS

In total, 183 EGCs were diagnosed as dysplasia (53.7%; 89 low-grade and 94 high-grade) and 158 (46.3%) as carcinoma by forceps biopsy before endoscopic submucosal dissection. Significant differences were noted with respect to histologic differentiation of carcinomas, Lauren histologic type, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and en bloc resection between the dysplastic group and carcinoma group, based on forceps biopsy results.

CONCLUSION

A forceps biopsy result is not fully representative of the entire lesion and, thus, endoscopic submucosal dissection should be considered for lesions diagnosed as dysplasia via forceps biopsy in order to avoid the risk of missed carcinomas.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection as a treatment for gastric adenomatous polyps: predictive factors for early gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) sampling of gastric adenoma may provide inadequate specimens for a correct diagnosis and lead to inappropriate follow-up strategies for adenomas or missed carcinoma foci. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic concordance between an EFB and resected gastric adenomatous polyps by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and to know the efficacy of ESD for the treatment of gastric adenomatous polyps.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between November 2008 and May 2011, 413 ESDs were carried out at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. After exclusion, 282 cases were enrolled. The clinicopathological features, complete resection rate, procedure time, complication rate and associated factors for early gastric cancer (EGC) prediction were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62.13 ± 8.91 years. Submucosal dissection results showed that the discrepancy rate between endoscopic biopsy and pathology of resected specimens was 32.9% (93/282). Additionally, 71 cases (25.2%) were adenocarcinomas. Among low-grade dysplasia (LGD) from EFB, 23 cases (11.8%) were adenocarcinomas after ESD. Among high-grade dysplasia (HGD) from EFB, 48 cases (55.2%) were adenocarcinomas after ESD. EFB procedure times were longer in the HGD group than in the LGD group (24.90 vs. 29.88 min, p = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, HGD from EFB, surface redness and lesion diameter were the significant predictive factors for EGC.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric adenomatous polyps should be removed by endoscopic resection regardless of histopathological type. ESD is a useful method for complete resection of gastric adenomas, regardless of size and location.

Clinical characterization of gastric lesions initially diagnosed as low-grade adenomas on forceps biopsy

AIM

The aim of this study was to elucidate characteristics of gastric lesions that are initially diagnosed as low-grade adenomas and to establish appropriate treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 231 lesions initially diagnosed as gastric adenomas. All forceps biopsy samples were histologically diagnosed as category 3 low-grade adenomas according to the revised Vienna Classification. All patients underwent endoscopic resection with endoscopic findings and post-resection diagnoses evaluated subsequently.

RESULTS

Sixty-three lesions were initially diagnosed as depressed adenomas, and 168 lesions were diagnosed as protruding adenomas. The depressed lesions were significantly smaller (11.6 ± 5.0 mm) than the protruding lesions (17.0 ± 10.8 mm) (P < 0.001). Diagnoses reclassified to category 4 mucosal high-grade neoplasia (i.e. high-grade adenoma, adenocarcinoma in adenoma and adenocarcinoma) were more frequent among depressed lesions (52.4%) than among protruding lesions (31.0%) (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis of all 231 lesions showed that lesion size larger than 20 mm (P < 0.001) and depressed appearance (including central depression) (P < 0.001) were significant independent factors suggesting cancer. For the 168 protruding lesions, lesion size larger than 20 mm (P < 0.001) and central depression (P < 0.001) were significant independent factors suggesting cancer. For the 63 depressed lesions, lesion size larger than 15 mm (P = 0.016) and a moth-eaten appearance (P = 0.017) were significant independent factors in the pre-treatment diagnosis of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenocarcinoma lesions were often found in depressed lesions and protruding lesions with central depression. Endoscopic resection for total biopsy is recommended, even if forceps biopsy indicates low-grade adenoma, as pre-treatment biopsy may be inadequate for an accurate histological diagnosis.

[Clinicopathologic features of cases with negative pathologic results after endoscopic submucosal dissection]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is accepted as a standard treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) and gastric adenoma. Occasionally, tumorous lesion is not found and pathologic discrepancies can occur after ESD. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the negative pathologic results after ESD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data from all patients with gastric neoplasm (276 EGC and 516 gastric adenomas) who were treated with ESD during past 3 years and enrolled the patients who had negative pathologic results.

RESULTS

Out of 792 patients treated with ESD, 27 patients (3.4%) were eligible for inclusion. Among the 27 patients, factors affecting the negative pathologic results were, most commonly, the focal lesion (n=13, 48.2%) which was small enough to be removed completely during pre-ESD biopsy, followed by pathologic discrepancies (n=11, 40.7%) between pathologists and lastly the operator factor (n=3, 11.1%) dissecting incorrect lesions. Of the focal lesions, the initial pathologic diagnoses were adenocarcinoma in 11 cases (84.6%). In cases with pathologic discrepancies, all the pretreatment diagnoses were adenoma with low grade dysplasia. In cases caused by operator factors, intestinal metaplasia was accompanied by elevated adenoma in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

To decrease negative pathologic results after ESD, an endoscopist should perform ESD after sufficient communication with pathologists, especially for adenoma with low grade dysplasia, and choose correct lesion, especially located at the antrum and associated with intestinal metaplasia. The possibility of total removal of small lesions even by forcep biopsy should be considered.

Spectrum of final pathological diagnosis of gastric adenoma after endoscopic resection

AIM: To investigate how many discrepancies occur in patients before and after endoscopic treatment of referred adenoma and the reason for these results.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 554 cases of 534 patients who were referred from primary care centres for adenoma treatment and treated for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at Chungnam National University Hospital, from July 2006 to June 2009. Re-endoscopy was examined in 142 cases and biopsy was performed in 108 cases prior to treatment. Three endoscopists (1, 2 and 3) performed all EMRs or ESDs and three pathologists (1, 2 and 3) diagnosed most of the cases. Transfer notes, medical records and endoscopic pictures of these cases were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma was 72 (13.0%) cases in total 554 cases after endoscopic treatment of referred adenoma. When the grade of dysplasia was high (55.0%), biopsy number was more than three (22.7%), size was no smaller than 2.0 cm (23.2%), morphologic type was depressed (35.8%) or yamada type IV (100%), and color was red (30.9%) or mixed-or-undetermined (25.0%), it had much more malignancy rate than the others (P < 0.05). All 18 cases diagnosed as adenocarcinoma in the re-endoscopic forceps biopsy were performed by endoscopist 1. There were different malignancy rates according to the pathologist (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION: High grade dysplasia is the most im-portant factor for predicting malignancy as a final pathologic diagnosis before treating the referred gastric adenoma. This discrepancy can occur mainly through inappropriately selecting a biopsy site where cancer cells do not exist, but it also depends on the pathologist to some extent.

Treatment strategy for gastric non-invasive intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy

Treatment strategies, whether as follow-up or “total incisional biopsy” for gastric noninvasive intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed by examination of an endoscopic forceps biopsy specimen, are controversial due to problems associated with the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic forceps biopsy and questions about the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment. Based on the histological findings of the biopsy specimen, it is difficult to differentiate between reactive or regenerative changes, inflammation and neoplastic changes, intraepithelial and invasive tumors. Therefore, gastric neoplasia diagnosed as noninvasive intraepithelial often develop into invasive carcinoma during follow-up. Recent advances in endoscopic modalities and treatment devices, such as image-enhanced endoscopy and high-frequency generators, may make endoscopic treatment, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), a therapeutic option for gastric intraepithelial neoplasia, including low-grade neoplasms. Future studies are required to evaluate whether ESD is a valid strategy for gastric intraepithelial neoplasm with regard to safety and cost effectiveness.

Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is useful to discriminate among non-neoplastic lesion, adenoma, and cancer of stomach

BACKGROUND

Studies regarding the discrimination of non-neoplastic lesion, adenoma, and cancer of the stomach using magnifying endoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement system (FIME) in each different channel of that system have not yet been reported.

AIMS

To ascertain the usefulness of FIME discriminating among the three kinds of gastric lesions.

METHODS

When finding a lesion to be a possible neoplasm using conventional endoscopy, the examiner discriminated among the three kinds of gastric lesions by observing the pit pattern on the lesion using magnifying endoscopy with white light (WLME) and then recorded the image. The procedure was repeated three more times with FIME with channel 0, 2, and 4. The four recorded images per lesion were then given to four raters for discriminating among the three kinds of gastric lesions.

RESULTS

The proportion of agreement and the degree of agreement between endoscopic and pathological diagnosis (AEP) by WLME were 0.85 and 0.76, respectively, and those by FIME were 0.91 and 0.86, respectively. All AEPs from discriminations with FIME was higher than that with WLME. AEPs from the discriminations with FIME with channel 4 were higher than those with FIME with channel 0 or 2. The degree of interobserver agreement among the results of the four raters was 0.42 for WLME and 0.50-0.59 for FIME with each of the three different channels.

CONCLUSIONS

FICE is useful in discriminating among non-neoplastic lesions, adenoma, and cancer of the stomach, and channel 4 of the FICE is better than channel 0 and 2 for the discriminations.

Upgrade of Lesions Initially Diagnosed as Low-Grade Gastric Dysplasia upon Forceps Biopsy Following Endoscopic Resection

Background/Aims

Gastric dysplasia is generally accepted to be the precursor lesion of gastric carcinoma. Approximately 25% to 35% of histological diagnoses based on endoscopic forcep biopsies for gastric dysplastic lesions change following endoscopic resection (ER). The aim of this study was to determine the predictive endoscopic features of high-grade gastric dysplasia (HGD) or early gastric cancer (EGC) following ER for lesions initially diagnosed as low-grade dysplasia (LGD) by a forceps biopsy.

Methods

To determine predictive variables for upgraded histology (LGD to HGD or EGC). The lesion size, gross endoscopic appearance, location, and surface nodularity or redness as well as the presence of a depressed portion, Helicobacter pylori infection, and intestinal metaplasia were retrospectively investigated.

Results

Among 251 LGDs diagnosed by an initial forceps biopsy, the diagnoses of 100 lesions (39.8%) changed following the ER; 56 of 251 LGDs (22.3%) were diagnosed as HGD, 39 (15.5%) as adenocarcinoma, and 5 (2.0%) as chronic gastritis. In a univariate analysis, large lesions (>15 mm), those with a depressed portion, and those with surface nodularity were significantly correlated with a upgraded histology classification following ER. In a multivariate analysis, a large size (>15 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46 to 5.43) and a depressed portion in the lesion (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.44 to 5.03) were predictive factors for upgraded histology following ER.

Conclusions

Our study shows that a substantial proportion of diagnoses of low-grade gastric dysplasias based on forceps biopsies were not representative of the entire lesion. We recommend ER for lesions with a depressed portion and for those larger than 15 mm.

Endoscopic management of gastric dysplasia: Cutting edge technology needs a new paradigm

There has been tremendous progress in endoscopic techniques for the management of premalignant or malignant gastric lesions. Gastric cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. This means that there is a need for early detection and diagnosis of premalignant lesions or early cancer in clinical practice. Despite substantial development of endoscopic resection techniques, the management of gastric premalignant lesions is controversial because of the lack of consensus and accurate risk stratification. Future study of various aspects would clarify these issues but in the meantime we should reconsider the current algorithm approach for the management of gastric low grade dysplasia.

Is endoscopic forceps biopsy enough for a definitive diagnosis of gastric epithelial neoplasia?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) as the primary histological diagnosis of gastric epithelial neoplasia (GEN) is debated in the era of endoscopic resection (ER). Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic reliability of EFB in patients with GEN compared with ER specimens as the reference standard for the final diagnosis in a large consecutive series.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional retrospective study at a tertiary-referral center. A total of 354 consecutive patients with 397 GENs underwent ER (endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection). Discrepancy rates between the histological results from EFB and ER specimens were assessed. Discrepancies that could affect patient outcome or clinical care were considered major.

RESULTS

The overall histological discrepancy rate between EFB and ER specimens was 44.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.7-49.5%) among the enrolled patients. The overall discrepancy rate was significantly higher in the intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) group than in the carcinoma group (49.8% vs 25.6%, P < 0.001). The major discrepancy rate was also significantly higher in the IEN group than in the carcinoma group (36.6% vs 7.0%, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis of the IEN group, a major histological discrepancy rate of 33.6% (70/208) for low-grade and 42.7% (44/103) for high-grade IEN was found, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic forceps biopsy was insufficient for a definitive diagnosis and therapeutic planning in patients with GEN. ER should be considered as not only definitive treatment but also a procedure for a precise histological diagnosis for lesions initially assessed as GEN by forceps biopsy specimens.

Risk factors in malignant transformation of gastric epithelial neoplasia categorized by the revised Vienna classification: endoscopic, pathological, and immunophenotypic features

BACKGROUND

According to the revised Vienna classification, the surgical removal of gastric epithelial neoplasia category 3 (low-grade dysplasia) lesions is not necessary, whereas the removal of category 4 lesions (high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal cancer) is obligatory. However, approximately 15%-30% of low-grade adenomas/dysplasia progress to high-grade lesions or adenocarcinoma, and it is difficult to determine which lesions will advance to true malignancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoscopic, pathological, and immunophenotypic differences between category 3 and 4 lesions according to the revised Vienna classification.

METHODS

All tissue samples were excised by endoscopic mucosal resection. Fifty-two category 3 tissue samples and 54 category 4 samples were evaluated by endoscopic findings; by pathology examination of the surrounding mucosa; and by CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, and RUNX3 immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the size of the lesion, color change, ulceration, gastritis score of the surrounding mucosa, and positive expression of MUC6 were associated with category 4 lesions. Multivariate analysis showed that the size of the lesion, ulceration, and positive expression of MUC6 were strongly associated with category 4 lesions.

CONCLUSION

Lesions more than 17 mm in diameter or lesions that are associated with ulceration have the potential for malignant transformation. Positive immunoreactivity for MUC6 appears to be a complementary marker for malignant transformation of gastric epithelial neoplasia.

Endoscopic characteristics of gastric adenomas suggesting carcinomatous transformation

BACKGROUND

Currently, endoscopic resections, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), are widely performed for the management of gastric neoplasia. This study aimed to evaluate the potential predictive factors for carcinomas on the basis of endoscopic features.

METHODS

This study investigated 114 samples from 114 patients. Gastric adenoma was diagnosed initially for all the patients. The endoscopic findings were reviewed for location, size, gross appearance, surface nodularity, ulceration, surface color, and number of biopsy samples. These variables were analyzed and compared between an adenoma group (51 cases) and a carcinoma group (63 cases) on the basis of postresection diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 62 years (range, 43-82 years), and 83 of the patients were men. The diameter of the lesions was 14.6 +/- 8.2 mm in the adenoma group and 15.4 +/- 7.4 mm in the carcinoma group. Depressed type, combined high-grade dysplasia, red discoloration, and mucosal ulceration were significant variables associated with carcinomas. In the multivariate analysis, combined high-grade dysplasia was a significant independent predictor of carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that patients with high-grade dysplasia on forceps biopsies should be considered candidates for endoscopic resection. Characteristics of gastric adenomas such as a depressed type, red color, and ulceration that may have foci of carcinomas in other parts of the adenomas also should be considered for endoscopic resection.