Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
A Novel Approach to Monitoring Graft Neovascularization in the Human Gingiva
Published on: January 12, 2019
Diagnostic Accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Prospective Study
Alberto Deganello1, Alberto Paderno1, Riccardo Morello2
1Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Objective:
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous immune-mediated disease affecting 1% to 4% of the worldwide population. Development of malignant lesions is reported but only affects a minority of patients. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic potential of narrow band imaging (NBI) in OLP patients; focusing on the identification of high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in newly developed lesions.
Methods:
Prospective evaluation of 56 patients with histopathologic diagnosis of OLP and presenting newly developed lesions not responding to medical treatment. All lesions were assessed by high-definition (HD) white light (WL) and HD-NBI endoscopy. All patients underwent biopsy regardless of the appearance at HD-WL and HD-NBI. Histology was defined as "positive" in case of high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma.
Results:
Five lesions (9%) were diagnosed as high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma. In this setting, overall diagnostic potential of HD-NBI was optimal, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 48-100), specificity of 96% (95% CI, 86-99), negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI, not calculable), positive predictive value of 71% (95% CI, 39-91), and accuracy of 96% (95% CI, 88-100).
Conclusions:
Despite the diffuse inflammatory pattern derived from OLP, NBI improved the diagnostic accuracy and the capability to detect high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1156-E1161, 2021.
