Confocal laser endomicroscopy in the diagnosis of colorectal diseases: image interpretation criteria

Abstract

Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a rapidly emerging area of gastroenterology that bridges endoscopy and histological examination. This newest technique has enabled endoscopists to assess the microstructure of gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo during the endoscopic procedure ("virtual biopsy"), and has stimulated growing interest to its application in clinical practice. During colonoscopy, the use of confocal laser endomicroscopy is justified for assessment of post-resection margins after excision of epithelial neoplasms, for differential diagnosis of polyps and assessment of the colon in patients with inflammatory bowel disorders. This article presents the interpretation criteria of confocal images in various colon diseases and the published data on the diagnostic value of the method.

Keywords

• colonoscopy
• confocal laser endomicroscopy
• image interpretation