Identification of volumetric laser endomicroscopy features predictive for early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus using high-quality histological correlation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) provides a circumferential scan that enables visualization of the subsurface layers of the esophageal wall at 7 μm resolution. The aims of this study were to identify VLE features of Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia and to develop a VLE prediction score.

METHODS: A database of VLE images from endoscopic resection specimens, precisely correlated with histology, from patients with BE with and without neoplasia was used. Features potentially predictive for early BE neoplasia were identified by unblinded evaluation of 25 VLE-histology images. In a learning phase, 20 VLE images with or without BE neoplasia were scored by 2 VLE experts, blinded to histology. A prediction score was created by using multivariable logistic regression analyses and validated by scoring 40 VLE images (50% neoplastic) by using area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis.

RESULTS: Three VLE features independently predictive for BE neoplasia were identified: (1) lack of layering; (2) higher surface than subsurface signal; (3) presence of irregular, dilated glands/ducts. A VLE neoplasia prediction score was developed with the following: (1) 6 points; (2) 6 or 8 points for equal or higher surface signal; and (3) 5 points. The ROC curve of this prediction score showed an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.90). A cut-off value of ≥8 was associated with sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: When high-quality ex vivo VLE-histology correlation was used, the VLE features of layering, surface signal, and irregular glands/ducts were independently and significantly associated with BE neoplasia. A VLE prediction score for BE neoplasia was developed and validated, with promising accuracy. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01862666.).