Magnified endoscopic observation of early colorectal cancer by linked color imaging with crystal violet staining (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many reports have shown the usefulness of magnification endoscopy with crystal violet (CV) staining for delineating the pit pattern in the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. However, the diagnostic accuracy of this method is not adequate for assessing the depth of invasion of early stage cancers. The novel technology of linked color imaging (LCI) combined with CV staining is expected to improve the accuracy of determining the depth of invasion.

METHODS

We studied 3 patients with early stage colorectal cancer who were referred to our hospital. After CV spraying, high-magnification endoscopy was conducted by using the LCI mode. Efficacy of this modality was evaluated by comparing the preoperative diagnostic endoscopic images with posttreatment histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

In 2 cases of rectal cancer, although conventional endoscopic examination could not exclude the possibility of submucosal cancer, use of the LCI mode with CV staining confirmed mucosal cancer. Eventually, EMR was conducted and achieved curative resection. In 1 case of sigmoid colon cancer, both conventional and CV magnification endoscopy suggested submucosal cancer. However, mucosal cancer was diagnosed by the novel method, and EMR achieved curative resection.

CONCLUSIONS

LCI high-magnification endoscopy combined with CV staining provides images close to histopathologic findings and is expected to improve the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis of the depth of invasion for early stage colorectal cancer.