Ultra high magnification endoscopy: Is seeing really believing?

Figure 1 Probe-based endocytoscope being passed through the working channel of a traditional endoscope. Image from Sasajima et al[4] (used with permission).

Figure 2 A confocal laser endomicroscope with a 5 mm diameter integrated in the distal end of a traditional colonoscope. Image from Dekker et al[1] (used with permission).

Figure 3 Endocytoscopic images at 1125 × magnification using XEC120U system. A: Normal squamous cell epithelium of the esophagus with uniform cells; B: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Heterogeneous cells with increased cell density and abnormal nuclei can be seen. Images adapted from Kumagai et al[22] (used with permission).

Figure 4 Endocytoscopic images of colorectal neoplasms at 450 × magnification. A: Low-grade adenoma with elongated nuclei; B: Low-grade adenoma demonstrating elongated nuclei, polygonal crypts, and heterogeneous arrangement; C: High-grade adenoma demonstrating irregular crypts and nuclei that are larger in size and distorted in shape. Images adapted from Rotondano et al[36] (used with permission).

Figure 5 Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy. A: Normal colon; B: Colon adenocarcinoma demonstrating distorted architecture, dilated and irregular vessels, and loss of crypts. Images adapted from De Palma[38] (used with permission).