Computed virtual chromoendoscopy system (FICE): a new tool for upper endoscopy?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Endoscopic Technology

Background:

• Computed virtual chromoendoscopy, such as Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE), enhances mucosal surface contrast by decomposing images by wavelength.
• This technology aims to improve the detection of gastrointestinal polyps and optimize imaging settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic quality of FICE for detecting gastrointestinal polyps.
• To determine the optimal FICE channel setting for endoscopic imaging.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one patients underwent upper endoscopy using Fujinon 1.3-million-pixel endoscopes with zoom.
• Six experienced endoscopists analyzed 31 endoscopy reports, including conventional and FICE images, using a visual scale to rate FICE channels and image quality.

Main Results:

• FICE channel 4 was identified as the best channel in 39.7% of cases and among the top three in 77%.
• FICE images were rated superior to conventional images in 94.1% of reports (p<0.0001).
• Computed virtual chromoendoscopy achieved a higher median pit pattern score (9.43) than conventional endoscopy (7.08) (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• FICE channel 4 images demonstrated significant superiority over conventional endoscopic images.
• Computed virtual chromoendoscopy facilitates enhanced analysis of pit patterns and mucosal junctions.
• This technology aids in identifying gastroduodenal polyps and supporting complete polypectomy.