Sensitivity and Specificity of Fractal Analysis to Distinguish Between Healthy and Pathologic Rectal Mucosa Microvasculature Seen During Colonoscopy

Purpose: Conventional endoscopy is limited by human capability to recognize and to differentiate pathology. Fractal analysis of blood vessels has been used in other organs, such as the retina, but never before to supplement colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to differentiate between healthy and pathologic rectal mucosa using fractal analysis of the mucosal microvascular architecture seen during colonoscopic examination (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A145 ). Methods: A total of 300 consecutive patients, 133 females and 167 males with a mean age of 49.1 (±11.3) years, undergoing endoscopy were included in the prospective cohort study. Colonoscopy of the sigmorectal region was performed, and then analyzed with computer-assisted image fractal analysis. Results: Fractal analysis of mucosal vasculature allowed for differentiation between healthy and pathologic rectal mucosa, as well as different pathologies (P
Source: Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques - Category: Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research