The value of narrow band imaging for early detection of laryngeal cancer

Improved Visualization of Oropharyngeal Tumors Using Simple Maneuvers During Flexible Endoscopy

OBJECTIVES

To describe patient positioning maneuvers that optimize visualization of the oropharynx during flexible endoscopyMethods:An institutional database of videos obtained from 2021 to 2023 during flexible endoscopy of patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) was reviewed. Patients seen outside the specialty head and neck clinic, those with tonsillar primary tumors, and those only with videos of fiberoptic swallowing evaluations were excluded. A total of 10 videos were then independently analyzed by 2 reviewers to assess the effects of 4 maneuvers on oropharyngeal tumor visualization: chin elevation, phonation, tongue protrusion, and contralateral head turn. After segmentation analysis in Label Studio, total surface area (SA) of visualized tumor in pixels was calculated in Python and compared against the maximum width of the epiglottis to calculate relative SA.

RESULTS

Four different maneuvers were evaluated in this study: (1) chin elevation [n = 4]; (2) phonation [n = 9]; (3) tongue protrusion [n = 4]; and (4) contralateral head turn [n = 9]. The maneuvers on average increased the visualization of tumor surface area(SA) compared to baseline view: contralateral turn increased SA by 1.7 fold (95% CI = 1.11-2.34), phonation increased SA by 1.7 fold (95% CI = 1.11-2.37), tongue protrusion increased SA by 1.5 fold (95% CI = 1.16-1.80), and chin elevation increased SA by an average of 2.7 fold (95% CI = 0.74-4.72).

CONCLUSION

Instituting simple additional positioning techniques during flexible endoscopy for patients with oropharyngeal tumors can improve visualization and staging for baseline assessment and staging.

Recent advances of photodiagnosis and treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are the most common type of head and neck tumor that severely threatens human health due to its highly aggressive nature and susceptibility to distant metastasis. The diagnosis of HNSCC currently relies on biopsy and histopathological examination of suspicious lesions. However, the early mucosal changes are subtle and difficult to detect by conventional oral examination. As for treatment, surgery is still the primary treatment modality. Due to the complex anatomy and the lack of intraoperative modalities to accurately determine the incision margins, surgeons are in a dilemma between extensive tumor removal and improving the quality of patient survival. As more knowledge is gained about HNSCC, the increasing recognition of the value of optical imaging has been emphasized. Optical technology offers distinctive possibilities for early preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative real-time visualization of tumor margins, sentinel lymph node biopsies, phototherapy. Fluorescence imaging, narrow-band imaging, Raman spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, hyperspectral imaging, and photoacoustic imaging have been reported for imaging HNSCC. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and clinical applications of optical imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC, focusing on identifying its strengths and limitations to facilitate advancements in this field.

Utilizing Narrow Band Imaging for Early Detection of Recurrence in Follow-Up Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Curative Intent Using Radiotherapy/Chemo-Radiotherapy: Enhancing Detection and Patient Outcomes

Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancer in developing countries. Most of the patients present with advanced disease and requires rigorous treatment. Routine follow up of the patient is required to detect any recurrence which will substantially affect overall survival of the patient. Narrow Band Imaging is one of the advanced endoscopic modalities which can be used for assessment of the patients during follow-up along with White light examination (WLE) and WB PETCT. An observational study to determine the efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of NBI in early detection of recurrence in follow-up patients with HNSCC was conducted comparing it with WLE, WB-PETCT and HPE. 60 patients who received definitive radiotherapy /Chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT) for HNSCC were followed up for a period of 12 months with WLE, NBI, WB PETCT and was compared with HPE. NBI demonstrated higher sensitivity (95.45%) and specificity (97.37%) compared to WLE, which had sensitivity and specificity of 77.27% and 92.11%, respectively. NBI also had superior diagnostic accuracy (96.67%) versus white light (86.67%).WB-PETCT had sensitivity of 95.45% and specificity of 92.11% with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.33% for detecting local recurrences. NBI is a more sensitive and accurate tool for detecting early recurrences in HNSCC post RT/CRT, improving patient outcomes through timely intervention. Proper training and standardized interpretation protocols are essential for maximizing its clinical utility.

Advanced Endoscopic Techniques to Detect Prevalence of Synchronous Oesophageal Cancers in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers

Objective

To study the prevalence of synchronous oesophageal cancer in patients with head and neck cancers using Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol's chromoendoscopy.

Materials and methods

Study design: Prospective cross sectional diagnostic study. Method: 63 recruited patients with head and neck cancers, underwent haematologic evaluation, histological confirmation, imaging which included contrast enhanced computerised tomography(CECT) of the Neck and when indicated an additional Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) scan followed by UGI endoscopy using white light followed by Narrow Band Imaging(NBI) and Lugol's chromoendoscopy(LCE).

Results

Oesophageal examination picked up a gastric inlet patch in 5 subjects and epithelial hyperplasia in one while the remaining 57 were normal on using White Light Endoscopy (WLE). NBI identified an abnormal pattern in 4 patients in whom WLE was normal (3 - Type II Intra Papillary Capillary Loop (IPCL) pattern, 1- Type III IPCL pattern). LCE showed unstained mucosa of < 10 mm in six patients, the histopathology reported were normal tissue in two patients, mild chronic oesophagitis in two and, gastric metaplasia and high grade dysplasia in one each respectively. Unstained mucosa of > 10 mm in one subject showed epithelial hyperplasia. Two patients had an abnormal NBI and LCE pattern although the WLE were normal.

Conclusion

By utilizing NBI and LCE, although oesophageal cancer was not detected, premalignant pathology like high grade dysplasia, as well as gastric metaplasia, epithelial hyperplasia, esophagitis were detected. Using both NBI and LCE along with WLE would be complimentary to detect early pathological lesions. Capturing the lesions in the window period that exists between the transformation of epithelial dysplasia to carcinoma and treating them early will reduce the morbidity and also improve the outcome in oesophageal malignancy.

Role of narrow band imaging in detecting recurrence in patients of squamous cell carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx who underwent radiotherapy/chemo-radiotherapy

Background

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an emerging modality that enhances the accuracy of detection of head and neck malignancies by visualisation of aberrant neoangiogenesis in malignant tissue using narrow bandwidth light in blue and green spectrum. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of NBI in detecting recurrence in patients with Squamous cell carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx who have undergone Radiotherapy/Chemoradiotherapy (RT/CTRT). The aim of the study was to (a) determine the role of NBI in follow-up of patients with carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx previously treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, (b) determine the role of NBI as the initial investigatory tool of choice in detecting local recurrence and compare with other modalities like fibreoptic laryngoscopy (FOL), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PETCT).

Methods

Prospective multicentric study at ENT departments of tertiary care centres in Delhi, Bangalore and Pune in India was conducted from Jan 2019 to Sep 2022. Thirty-four consecutive patients diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) larynx/hypopharynx who underwent chemo/radiotherapy were scheduled for NBI 12 weeks after completion of therapy with FOL and PETCT/MRI and followed up 03 monthly for 02 years. NBI/FOL/PETCT or MRI and Histopathological Examination (HPE) were compared.

Results

NBI was found to be 100% sensitive and 96% specific with a positive predictive value of 85% and negative predictive value of 100% respectively with a diagnostic accuracy of 97%.

Conclusion

NBI along with FOL increases the sensitivity of detection of recurrence in patients of laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer post-chemo/radiotherapy.

Clinical Value of Narrow Band Imaging Endoscopy in the Early Diagnosis and Staging Assessment of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical value of narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy in the early diagnosis and staging assessment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients with lesions in the hypopharynx or larynx were examined using endoscopy, observed under both white light and NBI modes, and graded using NBI. Using Lugol's iodine solution, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal lesions were graded using iodine staining. Using histopathological examination or postoperative pathological results as the diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of endoscopy and iodine staining in diagnosing early cancer and precancerous lesions were evaluated.

RESULTS

Multiple lesions were identified by both methods, and pathological examination confirmed 86 lesions, including early squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions, such as early esophageal cancer, high-grade esophageal intraepithelial neoplasia, and hypopharyngeal cancer. Endoscopy showed significantly higher accuracy, detection rate, sensitivity, and specificity in NBI mode than in white light mode (96.12%, 86.05%, 97.37%, 86.67% vs 86.05%, 76.74%, 86.84%, 80%, respectively; P < 0.05). NBI grading and iodine staining grading showed good consistency with pathological diagnosis, with a Kappa value of 0.684 and 0.622, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

NBI endoscopy allows for better observation of subtle structural changes on the surface of lesions compared to white light endoscopy. It provides high accuracy in detecting early laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer and precancerous lesions, determining biopsy sites, facilitating early diagnosis, and establishing safe surgical margins. NBI endoscopy offers a viable alternative for non-invasive screening and early diagnosis of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, showing great potential for clinical advancement.

A Systematic Review Evaluating the Diagnostic Efficacy of Narrow-Band Imaging for Laryngeal Cancer Detection

Background: Narrow-band imaging is an advanced endoscopic technology used to detect changes on the laryngeal tissue surface, employing a comparative approach alongside white-light endoscopy to facilitate histopathological examination. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utility and advantages of NBI (narrow-band imaging) in identifying malignant laryngeal lesions through a comparative analysis with histopathological examination. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, utilizing databases such as PubMed, the CNKI database, and Embase for our research. Results: We analyzed the articles by reviewing their titles and abstracts, selecting those we considered relevant based on determined criteria; in the final phase, we examined the relevant studies according to the specific eligibility criteria. Conclusions: Narrow-band imaging is an advanced endoscopic technology that demonstrates its efficacy as a tool for diagnosing malignant laryngeal lesions and comparing them to premalignant lesions. The European Society of Laryngology has implemented a standardized classification system for laryngeal lesions to enhance data correlation and organization.

The usefulness of narrow-band Imaging (NBI) in nasopharyngeal lesions-Validation of the Ni NBI classification dedicated for vascular pattern in the nasopharynx

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the applicability of narrow-band imaging (NBI) involving the Ni classification for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal mucosal lesions in order to distinguish malignant tumours (NPT) from non-malignant lesions.

METHODS

Each patient (n = 53) with a suspected nasopharyngeal lesion underwent a trans-nasal flexible video endoscopy with an optical filter for NBI. We assessed the suspected area using white light imaging (WLI) in terms of location and morphology as well as the vascular pattern (using Ni classification of nasopharyngeal microvessels) and surrounding tissue by using NBI. Based on the results of the NBI and WLI, patients were classified into "positive" or "negative" groups. All lesions of the nasopharynx were biopsied and submitted for final histological evaluation.

RESULTS

NBI showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than WLI. There was a significant correlation between the final histological result and the NBI pattern of the NPT: Chi2(1) = 31.34; p = 0.000001 and the WLI assessment of the NPT: Chi2(1) = 14.78; p = 0.00012.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of the NPT in NBI using Ni NBI classification proved valuable in suspected mucosa assessment. NBI not only confirms the suspicious areas in WLI, but it also shows microlesions beyond the scope of WLI and allows for proper sampling.

Comparison of three different image enhancement systems for detection of laryngeal lesions

OBJECTIVE

Image enhancement systems are important diagnostic tools in the detection of laryngeal pathologies. This study aimed to compare three different image enhancement systems: professional image enhancement technology, Image1 S and narrow-band imaging.

METHOD

Using the three systems, 100 patients with laryngeal lesions were investigated using a flexible and a 30° rigid endoscope. The lesions were diagnosed by three experts and classified using the Ni classification. The findings were compared.

RESULTS

Lesions classified as 'benign' were histopathologically confirmed in 50 per cent of patients, malignant lesions were confirmed in 41 per cent and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were confirmed in 9 per cent. There was no significant difference between the experts' assessments of each image enhancement system.

CONCLUSION

The three systems give comparable results in the detection of laryngeal lesions. With two additional systems, more users can perform image-enhanced endoscopy, resulting in a broadly available tool that can help to improve oncological assessment.

A comparison of the efficacy of narrow band imaging and contact endoscopy in an early diagnosis of squamous malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract

Background

This study aims to compare the efficacy of narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and contact endoscopy in early diagnosis of squamous malignancies of upper aerodigestive tract.

Methods

This study was of 18 months duration, sample size 50, and carried out at tertiary care hospital. The patients were subjected initially to NBI endoscopy followed by contact endoscopy. Thereafter, the lesion was biopsied and subjected to histopathological examination as is done routinely. The images obtained were analyzed based on criteria proposed by earlier studies and compared with histopathological examination as gold standard.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values of NBI in early diagnosis of squamous malignancies of upper aerodigestive tract were high and better than contact endoscopy.

Conclusion

Endoscopic NBI is a noninvasive and promising tool used for in vivo differentiation between malignant and nonmalignant lesions of upper aerodigestive tract by using morphology of mucosal capillaries and is more efficacious than contact endoscopy. It can be employed as part of routine ENT examination in outpatient departments; however, it has got a learning curve associated with it.

Assessment of Narrow Band Imaging Algorithm for Video Capsule Endoscopy Based on Decorrelated Color Space for Esophageal Cancer

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is increasingly used to decrease discomfort among patients owing to its small size. However, VCE has a major drawback of not having narrow band imaging (NBI) functionality. The current VCE has the traditional white light imaging (WLI) only, which has poor performance in the computer-aided detection (CAD) of different types of cancer compared to NBI. Specific cancers, such as esophageal cancer (EC), do not exhibit any early biomarkers, making their early detection difficult. In most cases, the symptoms are unnoticeable, and EC is diagnosed only in later stages, making its 5-year survival rate below 20% on average. NBI filters provide particular wavelengths that increase the contrast and enhance certain features of the mucosa, thereby enabling early identification of EC. However, VCE does not have a slot for NBI functionality because its size cannot be increased. Hence, NBI image conversion from WLI can presently only be achieved in post-processing. In this study, a complete arithmetic assessment of the decorrelated color space was conducted to generate NBI images from WLI images for VCE of the esophagus. Three parameters, structural similarity index metric (SSIM), entropy, and peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), were used to assess the simulated NBI images. Results show the good performance of the NBI image reproduction method with SSIM, entropy difference, and PSNR values of 93.215%, 4.360, and 28.064 dB, respectively.

Narrow Band Imaging Technology: Role in the Detection of Recurrent Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers Post-radiotherapy

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of NBI endoscopy for the diagnosis of early recurrent laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers after radiotherapy. The study was conducted over a period of two and a half years from June 2019 to February 2022 and included 123 post-RT patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The patients were planned for endoscopy with white light and narrow-band imaging. The biopsy was carried out in NBI suspected lesions and sent for histopathological examination. The pathologist was blinded to the outcome of NBI and WLE results to eliminate observer bias. The age group most commonly affected in our study was 40-50 years. Out of the 123 patients, 106 were males and 17 were females. The overall Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value and Negative predictive value of NBI for malignant lesions were 90.6%, 99%, 95.2% and 98% respectively. NBI Technology is a first-rate diagnostic tool that can help in diagnosing early recurrent cancer lesions, especially after RT, in which the recurrence is otherwise difficult to differentiate from post-radiotherapy oedema. This technology can significantly reduce the rates of failure to detect cancers in early stages.

Otoendoscopy in the era of narrow-band imaging: a pictorial review

PURPOSE

Otoendoscopy represents the initial non-invasive diagnostic cornerstone for external and middle ear disorders. Recently, new techniques of enhanced imaging such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) have been introduced but their role as a potential aid in otological practice remains unproven. In this pictorial review, we want to present the potential application of this endoscopic method, highlight its limitations, and give some hints regarding its future implementation.

METHODS

Representative cases of external and/or middle ear pathologies were selected to illustrate the role of NBI in this regard.

RESULTS

NBI may represent a useful aid in the otological work-up, in the differential diagnosis of ear tumor-like masses, and, possibly, in the prognosis of tympanic perforations. For other ear disorders, instead, this technique does not seem to add anything to the standard clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

NBI might prove useful in the assessment of selected external and middle ear disorders but its role must be prospectively validated.

Dysplastic Lesions of the Larynx

There have been many advancements in the clinical and histologic diagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia (LD), but diagnosis still necessitates invasive histologic evaluation. Furthermore, despite improved histologic identification of dysplastic lesions, the exact details of pathophysiologic progression and the risk of malignant transformation is still uncertain. These unknowns create a barrier to establishing an ideal grading and classification system, which prevents the establishment of a precise and consistent treatment paradigm. Identifying these gaps in knowledge serves to highlight where further studies are warranted, ideally focusing on a better understanding of the biological behavior of LD. This would ultimately allow for the creation of a reliable grading and classification system and for the formalization of management and treatment guidelines for LD.

Surgical Treatment for Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Narrative Review

Background and Objectives: to describe current scientific knowledge regarding the treatment options in advanced oropharyngeal cancer. The standard care for advanced oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) has been chemoradiotherapy, although surgical approaches followed by adjuvant treatment have been proposed. The best therapy for each patient should be decided by an interdisciplinary tumour-board. Different strategies should be considered for the specific patient's treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy or combinations of them. The treatment choice is influenced by tumour variability and prognostic factors, but it also depends on cancer extension, extranodal extension, nervous invasion, human papilloma virus (HPV) presence, making the decisional algorithm not always clear. HPV-related OPSCC is strongly associated with a favourable overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DSS); by contrast, HPV-negative OPSCC often flags a worse prognosis. Consequently, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) differentiates OPSCC treatment and prognosis based on HPV status. Methods: we carried out a review of current scientific literature to analyze the different indications and limitations of surgical treatment options in OPSCC stage III and IV. Conclusion: robotic surgery or open approaches with reconstructive flaps can be considered in advanced stages, resulting in the de-intensification of subsequent systemic therapy and fewer related side effects. Furthermore, in the event of the primary failure of systemic therapy or disease recurrence, the surgical approach constitutes an additional therapeutic option which lengthens patient survival functions.

From Hype To Reality: A Narrative Review on the Promising Role of Artificial Intelligence in Larynx Cancer Detection and Transoral Microsurgery

Early larynx cancer detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes and recent studies have shown promising results in using artificial intelligence for larynx cancer detection. Artificial intelligence also has the potential to enhance transoral larynx microsurgery. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding its use in larynx cancer detection and potential applications in transoral larynx microsurgery. The utilization of artificial intelligence in larynx cancer detection with white light endoscopy and narrow-band imaging helps improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. It can also potentially enhance transoral larynx microsurgery by aiding surgeons in real-time decision-making and minimizing the risk of complications. However, further prospective studies are warranted to validate the findings, and additional research is necessary to optimize the integration of artificial intelligence in our clinical practice.

Incorporation of Core Biopsy and FNAB in the Diagnostic Algorithm for Endophytic and Submucosal Laryngeal Malignancies: A Technical Note

Aim to determine the effectiveness of Endolaryngeal Core Biopsy and Fine Needle aspiration Cytology in endophytic or submucosal laryngeal malignancies.

BACKGROUND

Endophytic and submucosal laryngeal tumours pose as diagnostic as well as management challenges to the head and neck surgeon. Identifying the tumour location and extent of disease is crucial for the surgeon to determine the treatment options and the potential outcomes. Persistent laryngeal edema following radiotherapy also presents with a diagnostic dilemma, as distinguishing between recurrent laryngeal carcinoma and radiotherapy sequels; which include fibrosis, oedema and soft tissue and cartilage necrosis, can be confusing and punch biopsies performed in such cases would more than often yield inadequate or superficial tissue. Using a core biopsy gun for acquiring biopsy specimen is known to have more cellular material, less damage to the surrounding structure depth control, immediate analysis with higher accuracy rates.

TECHNIQUE

Patients with suspected laryngeal malignancy are initially evaluated with flexible endoscopy with Narrow band imaging (NBI) and appropriate imaging. These patients are subjected to Microlaryngoscopic under general anaesthesia. A core biopsy gun is used to obtain samples from the suspicious area. Simultaneously, with the aid of microlaryngeal forceps, an FNAC is also done and sent for rapid processing.

CONCLUSION

Trucut biopsy is a novel diagnostic tool that can be commonly used in early laryngeal malignancies especially in those cases where there is strong suspicion of malignancy and the lesion is found to be submucosal.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

we noted that a routine DL scopy and Biopsy in submucoal disease often results in a acquiring a non-representative sample as well as causing inadvertent trauma to the surrounding mucosa. We encourage Laryngeal surgeons to routinely use Core biopsies and FNAC during routine microlaryngeal Examination for better yield, faster diagnosis and faster planning of treatment protocols.

Narrow band imaging in early diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal malignant and premalignant lesions

OBJECTIVES

(1) To assess the diagnostic accuracy of narrow-band imaging (NBI) in the assessment of benign, premalignant, and malignant vocal fold lesions. (2) To evaluate the diagnostic value of NBI in detection of recurrence in upper aero-digestive tract malignancy.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study done between December 2018- November 2019 in the Department of Otolaryngology. One hundred six patients of suspected benign, premalignant, malignant lesions of larynx and hypopharynx along with recurrence cases of upper aerodigestive tract malignancy who have completed chemoradiation therapy. All patients were subjected to white light endoscopy (WLE), NBI, and biopsy for histopathological diagnosis. In WLE, laryngeal lesions were classified into three types: malignant, suspected malignant, and benign. NBI images were classified into 5 types based on the intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) patterns: Type I-IV were considered benign and Type V lesion was considered malignant. At the end, WLE and NBI findings were correlated with histopathological reports.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of NBI in diagnosing benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions is significantly better than WLE. The sensitivity of NBI in detecting malignant lesions is significantly greater than WLE. NBI has proved to be of great value in identifying lesions that could be missed by WLE alone, as combined sensitivity of NBI and WLE is significantly higher than WLE alone.

CONCLUSION

NBI is an excellent technique for early detection of laryngopharyngeal malignancies with significantly higher sensitivity than WLE alone.

Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) endoscopy in the detection of sinonasal inverted papilloma: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) endoscopy is an optical method to enhance the visualization of microvasculature on the mucosal surface and characterize epithelial changes.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to detect sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP) in the microvasculature and/or mucosa using SPIES endoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 115 subjects, including 80 patients with SIPs or nasal polyps (NPs) and 35 healthy controls were investigated using white light endoscopy (WLE) and SPIES endoscopy. All lesions were diagnosed by histopathological examination. We used Kappa index (κ) to evaluate the agreement of WLE and SPIES endoscopy with the histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were independently determined.

RESULTS

NPs were histologically confirmed in 44 subjects (55%, 44/80), identified by WLE in 41 subjects (51.3%, 41/80), and identified by SPIES endoscopy in 43 subjects (53.8%, 43/80). SIPs were histologically confirmed in 36 cases (45%, 36/80), defined by WLE in 24 cases (30%, 24/80), and identified by SPIES endoscopy in 33 cases (41.3%, 33/80). Among 36 SIP patients, 33 cases (91.67%, 33/36) had a small lobular sign. The diagnosis of SIP by SPIES endoscopy was in excellent agreement with histopathological diagnosis (κ = 0.873), while the diagnosis of SIP by WLE was in moderate agreement (κ = 0.563).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

SPIES endoscopy is a rapid and noninvasive live-imaging technique with a unique contrast to examine sinonasal mucosa, submucosa and microvasculature. Our study suggested SPIES endoscopy could detect SIP, and the small lobular sign could be a sensitive predictor of SIP diagnosis.

Role of Narrow Band Imaging Technology in the Diagnosis and Follow up of Laryngeal Lesions: Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy and Reliability in a Large Patient Cohort

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic accuracy and reliability of narrow band imaging (NBI) in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal premalignant lesion, early cancers and recurrences.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We enrolled 231 patients who underwent endoscopic examination with white light endoscopy (WLE) + NBI and divided them into two groups, group A, without previous radiochemotherapy and group B, with previous radiochemotherapy. When indicated, we performed surgical biopsies to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and likelihood of endoscopic examination comparing WLE alone and WLE + NBI.

RESULTS

A positive NBI lesion, compared with a negative NBI lesion, had a 29.68 (group A) and 13.96 (group B) times higher probability to be histologically positive (i.e., confirmed) compared with WLE alone improving the diagnostic accuracy. In group A, the NBI mode showed excellent sensitivity (95.0%), which was higher than WLE 2 mode (77.5%). However, the greatest differences were recorded regarding specificity (96.8% vs. 40.6%). In group B, both NBI alone and WLE + NBI mode showed a 94.1% specificity compared with WLE alone, which had a maximum specificity of 85.3%. The mode comparison between NBI and WLE in both groups showed a statistically significant difference, with p-values <0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

NBI represents a reliable technology in challenging situations, especially in the context of post-radiotherapy or post-surgical mucosal changes showing a high NPV. NBI could reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies related to increased microvascular anomaly revelation, which could help to identify early-stage lesions suitable for minimally invasive surgery and, consequently, decrease hospital admissions.

Validation of the European Laryngological Society classification of glottic vascular changes as seen by narrow band imaging in the optical biopsy setting

Purpose

In 2016, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) proposed a classification for vascular changes occurring in glottic lesions as visible by narrow band imaging (NBI), based on the dichotomic distinction between longitudinal vessels (not suspicious) and perpendicular ones (suspicious). The aim of our study was to validate this classification assessing the interobserver agreement and diagnostic test performance in detecting the final histopathology.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing clinical charts, preoperative videos, and final pathologic diagnosis of patients submitted to transoral microsurgery for laryngeal lesions in two Italian referral centers. In each institution, two physicians, independently re-assessed each case applying the ELS classification.

Results

The cohort was composed of 707 patients. The pathologic report showed benign lesions in 208 (29.5%) cases, papillomatosis in 34 (4.8%), squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) up to carcinoma in situ in 200 (28.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 265 (37.5%). The interobserver agreement was extremely high in both institutions (k = 0.954, p < 0.001 and k = 0.880, p < 0.001). Considering the diagnostic performance for identification of at least SIN or SCC, the sensitivity was 0.804 and 0.902, the specificity 0.793 and 0.581, the positive predictive value 0.882 and 0.564, and the negative predictive value 0.678 and 0.908, respectively.

Conclusion

The ELS classification for NBI vascular changes of glottic lesions is a highly reliable tool whose systematic use allows a better diagnostic evaluation of suspicious laryngeal lesions, reliably distinguishing benign ones from those with a diagnosis of papillomatosis, SIN or SCC, thus paving the way towards confirmation of the optical biopsy concept.

Clinically Available Optical Imaging Technologies in Endoscopic Lesion Detection: Current Status and Future Perspective

Endoscopic optical imaging technologies for the detection and evaluation of dysplasia and early cancer have made great strides in recent decades. With the capacity of in vivo early detection of subtle lesions, they allow modern endoscopists to provide accurate and effective optical diagnosis in real time. This review mainly analyzes the current status of clinically available endoscopic optical imaging techniques, with emphasis on the latest updates of existing techniques. We summarize current coverage of these technologies in major hospital departments such as gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, otolaryngology, pneumology, and laparoscopic surgery. In order to promote a broader understanding, we further cover the underlying principles of these technologies and analyze their performance. Moreover, we provide a brief overview of future perspectives in related technologies, such as computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) algorithms dealing with exploring endoscopic video data. We believe all these efforts will benefit the healthcare of the community, help endoscopists improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and relieve patients' suffering.

Narrow-band Imaging Examination of Microvascular Architecture of Subcapsular Hepatic Tumors

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative ultrasonography is the golden standard method for evaluation of liver tumors during hepatectomy. However, in laparoscopic surgery, accurate assessment of tumors may be difficult, particularly if the lesion is located nearby the liver surface because of the challenges in handling the intraoperative ultrasound and the lack of tactile sensation. In this study, we demonstrate the preliminary results of examining the microvascular architecture of subcapsular hepatic tumors using laparoscopic narrow-band imaging (NBI) to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five lesions were examined by NBI during laparoscopic hepatectomy for the presence of abnormal microvasculature on the liver surface in relation to hepatic tumors from January 2016 to August 2018. The microvascular findings were correlated with tumor localization and pathological diagnosis.

RESULTS

The 35 examined nodules included 11 hepatocellular carcinoma, 18 colorectal liver metastasis, and six benign nodules. The mean tumor diameter was 26.3 (3-70) mm, and the distance from the liver surface to the tumor was 0.5 (0-5) mm. Microvessels on the liver surface were clearly visualized by NBI, consistent with malignant tumor localization. The tumors were thoroughly examined for the presence of three pathological microvascular features (enlargement, tortuosity, and heterogeneity). Abnormal microvascular patterns were found in 90.9% of hepatocellular carcinoma and 77.8% of colorectal liver metastasis, whereas neither normal sites nor benign lesions displayed microvascular abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that observing the microvessel image on the liver surface by NBI could be useful in tumor localization and differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

Evaluating Laryngopharyngeal Tumor Extension Using Narrow Band Imaging Versus Conventional White Light Imaging

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Comparing detection and extension of malignant tumors by flexible laryngoscopy in the outpatient setting with laryngoscopy under general anesthesia using both White Light Imaging (WLI) and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-three patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal lesions underwent flexible and rigid laryngoscopy, with both WLI and NBI. Extension of malignant lesions (n = 132) was compared between both techniques in detail.

RESULTS

Sensitivity of NBI during flexible endoscopy (92%), was comparable with that of WLI during rigid endoscopy (91%). The correlation of tumor extension between flexible and rigid laryngoscopy was high (r_s  = 0.852-0.893). The observed tumor extension was significantly larger when using NBI in both settings. The use of NBI during flexible laryngoscopy leads to upstaging (12%) and downstaging (2%) of the T classification.

CONCLUSIONS

NBI during flexible laryngoscopy could be an alternative to WLI rigid endoscopy. NBI improves visualization of tumor extension and accuracy of T staging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2222-E2231, 2021.

NBI utility in oncologic surgery: An organ by organ review

The main aims of the oncologic surgeon should be an early tumor diagnosis, complete surgical resection, and a careful post-treatment follow-up to ensure a prompt diagnosis of recurrence. Radiologic and endoscopic methods have been traditionally used for these purposes, but their accuracy might sometimes be suboptimal. Technological improvements could help the clinician during the diagnostic and therapeutic management of tumors. Narrow band imaging (NBI) belongs to optical image techniques, and uses light characteristics to enhance tissue vascularization. Because neoangiogenesis is a fundamental step during carcinogenesis, NBI could be useful in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of tumors. Since its introduction in 2001, NBI use has rapidly spread in different oncologic specialties with clear advantages. There is an active interest in this topic as demonstrated by the thriving literature. It is unavoidable for clinicians to gain in-depth knowledge about the application of NBI to their specific field, losing the overall view on the topic. However, by looking at other fields of application, clinicians could find ideas to improve NBI use in their own specialty. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing literature on NBI use in oncology, with the aim of providing the state of the art: we present an overview on NBI fields of application, results, and possible future improvements in the different specialties.

Utility of narrowband imaging in the diagnosis of laryngeal leukoplakia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the validity of narrowband imaging (NBI) in differentiating between low-risk leukoplakia and high-risk leukoplakia. Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of NBI in the assessment of laryngeal leukoplakia were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria assessing a total of 586 lesions with laryngeal leukoplakia. In differentiating between low-risk and high-risk leukoplakia, NBI had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 85.4% (95% CI [76-99.9]) and 94.9% (95% CI [91.1-97.2]) respectively. Pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 99.2 (95% CI [38.28-257.18]). NBI is a useful imaging modality in differentiating between low-risk leukoplakia and high-risk laryngeal leukoplakia. The high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio make NBI a useful tool in the workup of laryngeal leukoplakia.

Use of narrowband imaging for the diagnosis and screening of laryngeal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of narrowband imaging (NBI) in terms of detecting laryngeal cancer compared to that of white light endoscopy (WLE). Two reviewers individually searched the six databases for studies published between the first record date and December 31, 2019. We recorded the numbers of true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies ver. 2 software was used to assess the studies. The extent of the inter-rater agreement was also measured. The diagnostic odds ratio (OR) associated with NBI was 87.463 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.968, 160.873). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.954. NBI was more diagnostically accurate than WLE, which was associated with a diagnostic OR of 13.750. NBI affords high diagnostic accuracy, thus supporting a role for NBI in the diagnostic work-up of laryngeal cancer.

The usefulness of the narrow band imaging (NBI) in decision-making process regarding second look procedure (SL) in laryngeal cancer follow-up after transoral laser microsurgery

Background

The prognostic value of positive surgical margins after transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM) is still under debate. In case of positive superficial margins, some experts recommend a second-look surgery (SL) and some recommend wait and watch approach with close observation. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an advanced imaging system used to enhance visualization of mucosal vascular pattern. In laryngology, NBI is used to improve the detection of premalignant, dysplastic and malignant lesions.

Aim

To assess the usefulness of NBI imaging in guiding clinical decision making regarding follow-up plan and SL after TOLM.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort of 127 patients was divided into three groups based on the histology results and NBI vascular pattern of the mucosa. Group A (24/127, 18.90%) consisted of patients with suspicious vascular pattern in NBI or/and with positive deep margin. Group B (52/127, 40.94%) consisted of patients with positive or uncertain superficial margins and non-suspicious vascular pattern in NBI. Group C (51/127, 40.15%) had non-suspicious vascular NBI pattern and all negative margins.

Results

After the first TOLM procedure, 9/24 (37.5%) patients had positive deep margins, 1/24 (4.2%) had uncertain deep margin and 1/24 patient (4.2%) had both positive deep margin and suspicious vascular pattern in NBI. The remaining 13 cases in Group A had a suspicious NBI finding only during the first follow-up. All of the 24 patients (Group A) underwent a second look surgery. The final histology after SL showed squamous cell carcinoma in 10/24 (41.7%) patients. All 10 patients had suspicious vascular pattern in NBI and one patient had both a positive deep margins after the first TOLM and positive NBI finding. None of Group B and C subjects developed an early recurrence.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that NBI imaging will be a useful adjunct to margin status after TOLM and will facilitate clinical decision-making regarding performing the SL in patients with positive or uncertain superficial surgical margins in the first TOLM procedure. However, additional investigation with more subjects is required at this time to further validate this technique and change the standard of care.

Use of IMAGE1 S technology for detection of cholesteatoma in endoscopic ear surgery: a retrospective case series on 45 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of selected modalities of Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (IMAGE1 S) in differentiating cholesteatoma during endoscopic ear surgery (EES); to assess the potential usefulness of IMAGE1 S in recognition of cholesteatoma residuals at the end of EES.

METHODS

A retrospective study on 45 consecutive patients who underwent EES for cholesteatoma between March 2019 and November 2019 at a tertiary referral center was performed. For each case, Spectra A and Spectra B filters were applied intra-operatively. When examining the surgical field, a switch from white light (WL) to IMAGE1 S was performed to detect cholesteatoma and differentiate it from non-cholesteatomatous tissue. When the IMAGE1 S pattern was suspicious for the presence of cholesteatoma, images of the field under both enhancement modalities were taken and the targeted lesions were sent for histologic analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of IMAGE1 S were calculated. A final recognition of the surgical field using the selected filters was performed to detect any possible cholesteatomatous residuals.

RESULTS

Detection of cholesteatoma by IMAGE1 S selected filters revealed the following data: sensitivity 97%, specificity 95%, PPV 95%, NPV 97%. On three occasions, there was no correspondence between enhanced endoscopy and histology. In 5 out of 45 cases (11%), cholesteatoma residuals, which had not been identified at WL inspection at the end of the procedure, were detected by IMAGE1 S.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential role for IMAGE1 S Spectra A and B filters in EES for cholesteatoma surgery. We propose the integration of IMAGE1 S as a final overview of the surgical cavity for recognition of cholesteatomatous residuals.

Clinical experience of narrow band imaging (NBI) usage in diagnosis of laryngeal lesions

INTRODUCTION

One of the most recent methods used in imaging of the larynx is narrow band imaging (NBI). NBI enables us to detect specific patterns of pathological angiogenesis suggestive of premalignant or neoplastic lesions. The aim of the study was to compare imaging of laryngeal lesions in white light endoscopy (WLE) and NBI in relation to histopathological examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

333 patients with laryngeal lesions underwent endoscopic evaluation in WLE and NBI. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) for WLE and NBI were calculated. The diagnostic value for WLE and NBI was evaluated for two assumptions (positive result is:1. severe dysplasia and cancer 2. only cancer) Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of first assumption were respectively for white light compared to NBI: 95.4% vs 98.5%; 84.2% vs 98.5%; 79.6% vs 97.7% and 96.6% vs 99.0%. The values of second assumption were: 97.4% vs 100%; 79.3% vs 93.5%; 72.6% vs. 89.4% and 98.2% vs. 100.0%. Higher sensitivity was observed for the second assumption, while higher specifity was recorded for the first assumption. Specificity was significantly higher for NBI than for WLE (p&lt;0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

NBI enables us to detect and differentiate laryngeal lesions, which are invisible in WLE. Endoscopic examination, especially in NBI-mode, is non-invasive, repeatable and remains a useful tool in the daily practice and diagnosis of patients with pathological lesions in the larynx.

Early glottic tumours with anterior commissure involvement. Literature review and consensus document. Head and Neck and Skull Base Commission, SEORL-CCC

The choice of the most appropriate treatment in early-stage glottic cancer with anterior commissure involvement remains controversial. Its therapeutic management is complex because it is a significant prognostic indicator of local control with 37% recurrence, due to the difficulty in establishing tumour extension with understaging of up to 40%, and due to the comparison of results in series on tumours that behave variably as they progress, such as T1a, T1b and T2a with commissure involvement. Furthermore, the complexity of the surgical approach using transoral CO2 laser microsurgery requires surgical skill, appropriate equipment and experience. Aspects to be reviewed in this document are: an updated anatomical definition of the anterior commissure, tumour progression based on histopathological studies, usefulness of videostroboscopy and NBI in diagnostic accuracy, validity of imaging tests, oncological results published in series reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, tumour margin treatment and voice evaluation.Finally, by way of a summary, the document includes a series of recommendations for the treatment of these tumours.

Ni endoscopic classification for Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) endoscopy in the detection of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours

The diagnostic procedure for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours is by white light endoscopy (WLE) combined with biopsy. However, WLE has difficulty identifying minute epithelial changes which hinders early diagnosis. Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) is designed to enhance the visualization of microvasculature on the mucosal surface and detect any epithelial changes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of Ni endoscopic classification with SPIES endoscopy in the detection of UADT tumours. Fifty-nine patients with suspected UADT tumours underwent WLE followed by SPIES endoscopy. All the tumours were biopsied and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The kappa index (κ) was used to evaluate the agreement between the methods. The level of agreement between SPIES using Ni classification and HPE showed almost perfect agreement as compared to moderate agreement between WLE and HPE. The sensitivity and specificity for WLE and HPE were 77.5% and 84.2% respectively with positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.2% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64%. The sensitivity and specificity for SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification and HPE were 97.5% and 94.7% respectively with PPV of 97.5% and NPV of 94.7%. SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification is a valid tool for earlier tumour detection.

Use OF NBI for the assessment of clinical signs of rhino-pharyngo-laryngeal reflux in pediatric age: Preliminary results

OBJECTIVES

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex problem in pediatric population: diagnosis and clinical presentation are still controversial. Classic white light endoscopy shows some pathognomonic signs of LPR in children, such as thickening of pharyngo-laryngeal mucus, the cobblestoning aspect of pharyngeal mucosa, arytenoid edema/hyperemia, nodular thickening/true vocal cord edema, hypertrophy of the posterior commissure, subglottic edema. The NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) technology, generally used in oncology, allows to study neoangiogenesis and hypervascularization of the mucosa, common aspects in both chronic inflammation and neoplastic transformation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the added value of this technology in identifying the main laryngopharyngeal reflux sign in a pediatric population.

METHODS

We evaluated at the Otolaryngology Unit of the "Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli" hospital and the Airway Surgery Unit of the "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital 35 patients aged from 2 months to 16 years divided into two groups in the period between November 2017 and May 2018. Group A included patients with clinical suspicion of LPR after gastroenterologist evaluation and Group B included patients who underwent an endoscopic evaluation for the assessment of recurrent respiratory symptoms such as stridor, recurrent croup, wheezing and persistent cough. We performed an endoscopic evaluation by white light and NBI for each patient, comparing the results of both methods to evaluate signs of pharyngo-laryngeal reflux and to calculate the value of reflux finding score (RFS).

RESULTS

The analysis of the data showed: for Group A an average value of RFS with white light of 11,84 (range 8-17, standard deviation 2,52 ± 0,57) and with NBI of 13,63 (range 10-17, standard deviation 2,13 ± 0,49); for Group B the analysis of the data showed an average value of RFS with white light of 10,06 (range 8-14, standard deviation 2,32 ± 0,58) and with NBI of 12,50 (range 9-18, standard deviation 2,63 ± 0,65). The comparison between the two methods resulted significant. Furthermore evaluation by NBI allowed to highlight other signs of pharyngo-laryngeal reflux, characteristic of pediatric age and not included in RFS, in particular cobblestone aspect of the hypopharingeal mucosa, phlogosis of the tonsillar crypts and adenoid surface, hyperemia and hypervascularization of subglottic and tracheal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

Although still preliminary our results represent an interesting starting point for further studies, because they underline the potentiality of NBI endoscopy in LPR evaluation and how this technology could improve the identification of reflux signs.

Learning curve for endoscopic evaluation of vocal folds lesions with narrow band imaging

Introduction

The endoscopic methods are progressing and becoming more common in routine clinical diagnosis in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Relatively large amount of researches have proved high accuracy of narrow band imaging endoscopy in differentiating benign and malignant lesions within vocal folds. However, little is known about learning curve in narrow band imaging evaluation of laryngeal lesions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for the narrow band imaging evaluation of vocal folds pathologies depending on the duration of the procedure.

Methods

Records of 134 narrow band imaging that were analyzed in terms of the duration of the procedure and the accuracy of diagnosis confirmed by histopathological diagnosis were enrolled in the study. The narrow band imaging examinations were performed sequentially by one investigator over a period of 18 months.

Results

The average duration of narrow band imaging recordings was 127.82 s. All 134 studies were divided into subsequent series of several elements. An evident decrease in time of investigation was noticed between 13th and 14th series, when the examinations were divided into 5 elements series, which corresponds to the difference between 65th and 70th subsequent narrow band imaging examination. Parallel groups of 67 examinations were created. Group 1 included 1st to 67th subsequent narrow band imaging examination; Group 2 – 68th to 134th narrow band imaging examinations. The non-parametric U Mann–Whitney test confirmed statistically significant difference between the mean duration of narrow band imaging examination in both groups 160.5 s and 95.1 s, respectively (p < 10⁻⁷). Sensitivity and specificity of narrow band imaging examination in the first group were respectively: 83.7% and 76.7%. In the second group, these indicators amounted 98.1% and 80% respectively.

Conclusions

A minimum of 65th–70th narrow band imaging examinations are required to reach a plateau phase of the learning process in assessment of glottis lesions. Analysis of learning curves is useful for the development of training programs and determination of a mastery level.

Correlation of narrow band imaging vascular patterns with immunohistological microvessel density in vocal fold lesions

INTRODUCTION

The microarchitecture of the mucosal and submucosal vessels is crucial for diagnosis of vocal fold lesions. Neo-angiogenesis is a confirmed biological parameter that implicates progression and metastasis in laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the correlation between vascular pattern classifications by narrow band imaging and immunohistological microvessel density in different types of intraepithelial vocal fold lesions.

METHODS

Analysis of immunohistological microvessel density using CD31 and CD34 antibodies was performed in 77 lesions including: 20 non-dysplastic lesions, 20 with low-grade dysplasia, 17 with high-grade dysplasia and 20 invasive cancers. The evaluation of vascular patterns with narrow band imaging according to the Ni classification and European Laryngological Society guidelines was performed prior to surgical resection.

RESULTS

The mean value of CD31 microvessel density was the highest for Ni Type IV lesions (20.55), whereas for the longitudinal and perpendicular patterns according to the European Laryngological Society classification it was 12.50 and 19.45 respectively. The highest mean value of microvessel density with CD 34 was identified in Ni Type Va (35.43) lesions and in the longitudinal and perpendicular patterns according to the European Laryngological Society classification was 15.12 and 30.40 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The microvascular morphological changes of intraepithelial laryngeal lesions observed under narrow band imaging endoscopy are positively correlated with angiogenesis indexes of immunohistological evaluation.

The Prognostic Value of Adding Narrow-Band Imaging in Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Cancer: A Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a universally recognized safe and minimally invasive approach for early glottic cancer. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an optical technique working with a filtered light that reveals superficial mucosal abnormalities through the neoangiogenic pattern. The aim of this systematic review is to demonstrate the role of intraoperative NBI during TLM for early glottic cancer to better evaluate tumor extension and for more precise margin resection.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines was performed. A literature search was performed using the following keywords: TLM, NBI, and early glottic cancer. Two independent authors evaluated the extracted data. Data regarding status of surgical margins after TLM, local recurrence, recurrence-free survival, and need of additional samples following NBI were collected.

RESULTS

Five articles met inclusion criteria with a total of 577 patients undergoing TLM with intraoperative NBI. A significant reduction of positive superficial margins was found in patients treated with (52%) and without (28.6%) intraoperative use of NBI (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of intraoperative NBI increases the accuracy of neoplastic superficial spreading evaluation and accuracy of mass resection during TLM for early glottic cancer. The significant reduction of superficial positive margins dramatically decreases the number of patients at risk and improves clinical outcomes. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Role of narrow band imaging in the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions: Pilot study from India

INTRODUCTION

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a new imaging technique developed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of head and neck cancers by depiction of tumor-specific neo-angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of NBI in the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

AIM

To assess the sensitivity and specificity of combined white light endoscopy (WLE) and NBI compared with WLE alone in the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients with various laryngeal lesions scheduled for microlaryngoscopic evaluation underwent WLE followed by NBI. Endoscopic NBI findings were classified into five types (I-V) according to the intraepithelial papillary capillary loop features. Types I-IV are considered benign, whereas type V is considered malignant. The observations were compared with histopathology.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of malignancy (i.e., invasive carcinoma and carcinoma in situ) by means of NBI with WLE were calculated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of WLE combined with NBI (100%) was higher than WLE alone (82.6%) in detecting laryngeal cancers. NBI helped in identifying four malignant lesions missed by WLE alone. Two children with respiratory papillomatosis also demonstrated type V pattern, a potential pitfall, leading to an overall positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Combining NBI with WLE increases the sensitivity of detection of laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions. NBI is also useful in some benign lesions as well as in post-radiotherapy patients.

The White Lesion, Hyperkeratosis, and Dysplasia

Laryngeal mucosal precursor lesions represent a challenging clinical entity. Updated classification systems allow for grade-based categorization. Multiple management options exist, with treatment decisions made jointly by physician and patient and focused on both appropriate lesion treatment and preservation of laryngeal structure and function. Traditional methods include cold steel and CO₂ laser excision, with newer modalities using angiolytic lasers for lesion ablation. Both operating room-based and office-based treatment options exist, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each approach. Research is ongoing to advance the understanding of lesion biology, and to optimize prevention and treatment.

Usefulness of narrow band imaging with magnifying endoscopy for the differential diagnosis of cancerous and noncancerous laryngeal lesions

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the accuracy of endoscopic findings observed by narrow band imaging (NBI) combined with magnifying gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) for the differential diagnosis of cancerous and noncancerous laryngeal lesions.

METHODS

A total of 166 vocal cord lesions for which good images were obtained on NBI with magnifying GIE were evaluated with respect to the following 6 variables: macroscopic type, tumor location, color, white coat, keratinization, and abnormal microvessels.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that white coat (odds ratio [OR], 2.95, P = 0.05), keratosis (OR, 3.14, P = 0.02) and abnormal microvessels (OR, 31.1, P < 0.0001) were significantly related to laryngeal cancer. In the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of abnormal microvessels were 84.4%, 88.6%, 91%, 80.5%, and 86.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal microvessels on NBI combined with magnifying GIE are useful for the differential diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

Flexible transnasal endoscopy with white light or narrow band imaging for the diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy: diagnostic value, observer variability and influence of previous laryngeal surgery

Purpose

Flexible transnasal endoscopy is a common examination technique for the evaluation of laryngeal lesions, while the use of narrow band imaging (NBI) has been reported to enhance the diagnostic value of white light endoscopy (WLE). The purpose of this study is to assess observer variability and diagnostic value of both modalities and investigate the possible influence of previous laryngeal surgery on the detection rates of laryngeal malignancy.

Methods

The study was based on the retrospective evaluation of 170 WLE and NBI images of laryngeal lesions by three observers in a random order. The histopathological diagnoses serve as the gold standard.

Results

In identifying laryngeal malignancy, the sensitivity of NBI proved to be higher than that of WLE (93.3% vs. 77.0%). NBI was also superior to WLE in terms of accuracy (96.3% vs. 92%) and diagnostic odds ratio (501.83 vs. 120.65). Both modalities had a specificity of 97.3%. The inter-observer agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.661) for WLE and almost perfect (kappa = 0.849) for NBI. Both WLE and NBI showed a high level of intra-observer agreement. The sensitivity was significantly lower in images with history of previous laryngeal surgery compared to those without.

Conclusions

Flexible transnasal endoscopy has been proved to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy. The use of NBI can increase the sensitivity and observer reliability in that context and can also provide a diagnostic gain in cases with previous laryngeal surgery

Nature and role of surgical margins in transoral laser microsurgery for early and intermediate glottic cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Summarize recent findings regarding the impact of margin status on oncologic outcomes and organ preservation, as well as evaluate possible management policies of close and positive margins after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for Tis-T2 glottic carcinomas.

RECENT FINDINGS

Impact of margin status on survival rates remains controversial, whereas some authors found close and positive margins to be independent risk factors for recurrence and poorer survival rates, others did not find any significant variations compared with negative ones. A common trend can be observed in performing a watchful waiting policy or second look TLM in patients with close-superficial and positive single-superficial margins. Further treatment seems preferable in case of deep and positive multiple superficial margins.

SUMMARY

Positive margins are present in up to 50% of patients treated by TLM, even though a high rate of false positivity, reaching 80%, has been described. Close and positive single superficial margins seem to be linked to higher recurrence rates compared with negative margins, even though watchful wait and see policy, especially when performed by adjunctive visual aids like Narrow Band Imaging, maintains good final oncological and organ preservation outcomes. Further treatments are required in case of deep margin positivity.

Narrow Band Imaging-guided resection of oral cavity cancer decreases local recurrence and increases survival

PURPOSE

Overall local recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is estimated at 20%. Incomplete primary tumour excision contributes to localised postsurgical recurrence of OSCC. The purpose of this study was to report on patient outcomes following resection of OSCC using Narrow Band Imaging (NBI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with OSCC requiring resection were visualised under conventional white light (WL) then NBI using an Olympus NBI ENF-VQ nasendoscope with CLV-180 light source and processor (Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). OSCC tissue was resected to the NBI-defined surgical margins, and patients followed for a minimum of 5 years postsurgery to assess local recurrence rate (LRR) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients recruited for this study, one patient (5%) declined follow-up. At the latest follow-up period (up to 7 years postsurgery), 14 of 19 patients (73.68%) were alive with no recurrence. Two patients (10.53%) had died from metastatic disease with no local recurrence, one patient (5.26%) had died from disease with local recurrence, and two patients (10.53%) had died disease-free from other causes. In total, 16 of 19 patients (84.21%) who were followed for a minimum of 5 years were still alive and had not developed local recurrence. Only one patient developed local recurrence. Five-year DFS was 84.21% and LRR was 5.26%.

CONCLUSION

Resection to NBI-defined margins improves survival rates and decreases recurrence rates of OSCC compared to traditional methods and should be adopted as the new gold standard for determining mucosal surgical margins for treatment of oral cavity cancer. These promising results have set the scene for a multicentred randomised controlled trial comparing NBI to WL currently underway.

A meta-analysis of narrow-band imaging for the diagnosis of primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background: Narrow band imaging (NBI), an endoscopic technique featuring an augmented definition of microvasculature and mucosal patterns. NBI is increasingly advocated as a tool to characterize neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia in endoscopic standards, such as for colorectal polyps and tumors. Recently NBI has also been studied in the detection of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). Here we aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of NBI for the diagnosis of NPC. Methods: A meta-analysis of studies comparing narrow-band imaging and white light endoscopy in the diagnosis of primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma was performed. The review process involved two independent investigators. The databases used were MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and the Web of Science. Statistical analysis was performed with OpenMetaAnalyst, MetaDiSc version 1.4, and Medcalc version 17.9.7.  Results: Five studies including 2480 patients were included. The sensitivity and specificity for narrow-band imaging were 0.90 (0.73-0.97) and 0.95 (0.81-0.99) respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 18.82 (0.31-82.1) and 0.08 (0.02-0.31). For white light endoscopy, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.77 (0.58-0.89) and 0.91 (0.79-0.96). The positive likelihood ratio was 7.61 (3.61-16.04), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.21 (0.11-0.39). The odds ratio for detection rates between narrow-band imaging and white light endoscopy was 4.29 (0.56-33.03, p = 0.16). Area under the curve for narrow-band imaging was 0.98 (SE: 0.02), and for white light it was 0.93 (SE: 0.03). There was no significant difference in the receiver operating characteristic curves between the two modalities (p = 0.14). Conclusion: Narrow-band imaging showed a higher sensitivity and positive likelihood ratio for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, there was no significant difference in detection rates compared to white light endoscopy. Further investigation with a uniform diagnostic criteria and terminology is needed for narrow-band imaging in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Narrow band imaging for risk stratification of glottic cancer within leukoplakia

BACKGROUND

This study investigates relevance of narrow band imaging (NBI) in stratifying risk of malignant transformation within leukoplakia.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis that included 62 patients with 91 changes of leukoplakia on vocal folds. The NBI was obtained before microsurgery. Categorization of the lesion as benign was made when vessels of surrounding epithelium were classified as type I, II, or IV according to Ni classification. If there were visualized intraepithelial papillary capillary loops of type V, the lesion was classified as malignant. Results were compared to the histopathological diagnosis.

RESULTS

The NBI assessment classified 75 lesions (82.4%) as benign and 16 (17.6%) as malignant. Histopathological results revealed the diagnosis of no dysplastic changes or low grade dysplasia in 77 cases (84.6%). Another 14 cases (15.4%) occurred with high-grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive cancer. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of NBI in predicting malignancy within leukoplakia were 100%, 97.4%, and 97.8%, respectively. The kappa index was 0.92 (95% confidence interval 81.1%-100%).

CONCLUSION

The noninvasive procedure of an NBI endoscopy may be recommended as an accurate method in predicting the risk of malignant transformation within the vocal fold leukoplakia and, therefore, would be useful in the clinic for planning the patient's therapy.

Comparison of narrow band imaging and the Storz Professional Image Enhancement System for detection of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal pathologies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) in observing epithelial and/or subepithelial microvascular irregularities and pathologies.

METHODS

A total of 73 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal lesions were investigated using high-definition NBI endoscopy preoperatively in local anesthesia and using SPIES system intraoperatively in general anesthesia from August 2016 to October 2017. Superficial vascular structures were classified preoperatively (NBI) and intraoperatively (SPIES) according to descriptive guidelines of vascular changes by Arens. All lesions were endoscopically evaluated and divided according to the histological examination into four groups (A-benign lesions, B-recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, C-low-grade dysplasia, D-high-grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma), and results were compared with NBI and SPIES optical biopsy.

RESULTS

Benign lesions (polyps, cysts, chronic inflammation, hyperkeratosis) were histologically confirmed in 26/73 (35.6%) cases and identified by NBI in 20/26 lesions (76.9%) and in 20/26 cases (76.9%) by SPIES, respectively. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis was confirmed in 16/73 (21.9%) and detected in 15/16 cases (93.8%) by NBI and in 16/16 cases (100.0%) by SPIES. Low-grade dysplasia (mild and moderate dysplasia) was histologically detected in 7/73 patients (9.6%) and accurately identified by NBI in 6/7 (85.7%) and by SPIES in 6/7 (85.7%) cases, respectively. Histopathological features of severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma were detected in 24/73 (32.9%) patients. According to the NBI endoscopy the suspected vascular neoangiogenesis was recognized in 19/24 cases (79.2%) and in 18/24 cases (75.0%) using SPIES endoscopy. Sensitivity and specificity of NBI endoscopy and SPIES system in correct prediction of histological diagnosis of already detected lesions were 83.0 and 98.0% and 86.0 and 96.0%, respectively. Results of NBI/SPIES endoscopy and histopathological features of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal lesions were compared and the level of agreement was 81.43%, kappa index κ = 0.7428 (95% CI 0.682-0.832) (p < 0.001) by NBI endoscopy and 81.16%, kappa index κ = 0.7379 (95% CI 0.638-0.880) (p < 0.001) by SPIES endoscopy, respectively. The agreement was confirmed as substantial and strong. Level of agreement of both endoscopic methods was 92.54%, kappa index κ = 0.8965 (95% CI 0.877-0.954) (p < 0.001), agreement was confirmed as almost perfect. Between NBI and SPIES endoscopic imaging methods is no significant differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Both methods, NBI endoscopy and SPIES system, are comparable in detection and analysis of superficial neoangiogenesis, typical for benign lesion and for precancerous or cancerous changes in larynx and hypopharynx.