Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 28, 2010; 16(40): 5016-5019
Published online Oct 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i40.5016
Real-time histology with the endocytoscope
Rajvinder Singh, Swee Lin Chen Yi Mei, William Tam, Devinder Raju, Andrew Ruszkiewicz
Rajvinder Singh, Swee Lin Chen Yi Mei, William Tam, Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Medicine, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5070, Australia
Rajvinder Singh, Swee Lin Chen Yi Mei, William Tam, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA 5070, Australia
Devinder Raju, Colorectal Unit, Division of Surgery, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5070, Australia
Andrew Ruszkiewicz, Pathology SA, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Author contributions: Singh R, Raju D and Chen Yi Mei SL wrote the paper; Ruszkiewicz A provided advice regarding the pathological correlation of the endocytoscopy images; Tam W edited the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Rajvinder Singh, MBBS, MRCP, MPhil, FRACP, AM, FRCP, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Medicine, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5070, Australia. rajvinder.singh@health.sa.gov.au
Telephone: +61-8-81829909 Fax: +61-8-81829837
Received: April 2, 2010
Revised: April 27, 2010
Accepted: May 4, 2010
Published online: October 28, 2010
Abstract

Endoscopic Imaging has progressed tremendously over the last few decades. Novel imaging technologies such as high-resolution and high-magnification white light endoscopy, narrow band imaging, optimal band imaging, autoflourescence imaging and optical coherence tomography not only aid the endoscopist in detecting malignant or pre-malignant lesions but also assist in predicting histology. Recently, the introduction of Endocytoscopy (EC) and Confocal Endomicroscopy has taken us into a new realm of diagnostic endoscopy. With the ability to magnify up to 1000 ×, cellular structures can be visualized in real-time. This advance in technology could potentially lead to a paradigm shift negating the need to obtain biopsies. EC is, however, still in the early stages of development and further research needs to be carried out before it can be accepted as standard practice. This review will focus on the diagnostic utility of the Endocytoscope.

Keywords: Endocytoscopy; Advanced endoscopy imaging; Magnification endoscopy; Real-time histology