BACKGROUND

Endocytoscopy enables in vivo observation of nuclei at 450× magnification during GI endoscopy, thus allowing precise prediction of lesion pathology. However, because it requires training and experience, it may be beneficial only when performed by expert endoscopists.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate a novel computer-aided diagnosis system for endocytoscopic imaging (EC-CAD) of colorectal lesions.

DESIGN

Pilot study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred fifty-two patients with small colorectal polyps (≤10 mm) who had undergone endocytoscopy.

INTERVENTION

Test sets of white-light endoscopic images and endocytoscopic images from 176 small colorectal polyps (137 neoplastic and 39 non-neoplastic polyps) were assessed by EC-CAD, 2 expert endoscopists, and 2 trainee endoscopists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting neoplastic change by EC-CAD comparing expert and trainee endoscopists.

RESULTS

EC-CAD had a sensitivity of 92.0% and an accuracy of 89.2%; these were comparable to those achieved by expert endoscopists (92.7% and 92.3%; P = .868 and .256, respectively) and significantly higher than those achieved by trainee endoscopists (81.8% and 80.4%; P < .001 and .002, respectively). EC-CAD achieved a specificity of 79.5%; this did not differ significantly from that achieved by the experts and trainees. EC-CAD also enabled instant diagnosis, taking only 0.3 seconds for each lesion with perfect reproducibility.

LIMITATIONS

No sample size calculation.

CONCLUSIONS

EC-CAD provides fully automated instant classification of colorectal polyps with excellent sensitivity, accuracy, and objectivity. Thus, it can be a powerful tool for facilitating decision making during routine colonoscopy.