0000000000471727
AUTHOR
Michael B. Wallace
The safety of intravenous fluorescein for confocal laser endomicroscopy in the gastrointestinal tract
Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 548–552 Summary Background Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is rapidly emerging as a valuable tool for gastrointestinal endoscopic imaging. Fluorescent contrast agents are used to optimize imaging with CLE, and intravenous fluorescein is the most widely used contrast agent. Fluorescein is FDA-cleared for diagnostic angiography of the retina. For these indications, the safety profile of fluorescein has been well-documented; however, to date, fluorescein is not cleared for use with CLE. Aims To estimate the rate of serious and total adverse events attributable to intravenous fluorescein when used for gastrointestinal CLE. Methods We performed a cross sectional…
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: Technical Advances and Clinical Applications
Since its introduction in 2004, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has emerged as a valuable tool for gastrointestinal endoscopic imaging. Endomicroscopy enables the endoscopist to obtain real time in vivo histology during ongoing endoscopy thereby creating “optical biopsies.” To date, numerous studies have shown potential applications of endomicroscopy in the clinical setting, including in vivo diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Barrett’s esophagus, celiac disease, and colonic polyps. Moreover, recent data suggest the potential application of endomicroscopy in the field of molecular imaging. Additionally, in recent months new applications and developments in the field of con…
Advances in endoscopic imaging of colorectal neoplasia.
Colon cancer screening is arguably the most important activity performed by gastroenterologists. Recent decreases in rates of death from colorectal cancer indicate that screening methods such as colonoscopy have a positive impact. There is still room for improvement, however, particularly in prevention of right-sided colon cancer. Practice issues, such as making colonoscopy more comfortable, safer, and less costly, are keys to continued success in cancer prevention. Colonoscopy techniques, technologies, and quality control measures have advanced to improve detection, classification, and removal of early neoplasias. In particular, slow, careful inspection of the colon by gastroenterologists …