BACKGROUND/AIMS: The inability to precisely measure the area of Barrett's metaplasia has impaired the study of its natural history and response to therapy. This study used a novel computer program that creates two-dimensional maps of the esophagus allowing for calculation of the area of Barrett's metaplasia. METHODS: Endoscopic photographs of Barrett's models and patients were obtained by independent endoscopists. The program transformed the photographs into maps, and the area of Barrett's metaplasia was calculated. RESULTS: Using models, calculated areas correlated with actual areas (r = 0.96) with an overall error of 5.2%. Color, size, shape, diameter of the model, or endoscopist's experience did not affect the accuracy. Accuracy did improve by decreasing the interval between photographs from 4 cm (10.0% error) to 2 cm (4.8% error). In patients, area calculations from maps created by independent technicians correlated precisely (r = 0.99) at 1-cm (n = 22) and 2-cm (n = 40) intervals. Independent endoscopists correlated precisely in producing photographs for map construction (r = 0.99; n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: This novel computer technology produces two-dimensional maps of Barrett's metaplasia that can be used to accurately calculate area. Minimal interobserver variability in obtaining photographs is found.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The inability to precisely measure the area of Barrett's metaplasia has impaired the study of its natural history and response to therapy. This study used a novel computer program that creates two-dimensional maps of the esophagus allowing for calculation of the area of Barrett's metaplasia. METHODS: Endoscopic photographs of Barrett's models and patients were obtained by independent endoscopists. The program transformed the photographs into maps, and the area of Barrett's metaplasia was calculated. RESULTS: Using models, calculated areas correlated with actual areas (r = 0.96) with an overall error of 5.2%. Color, size, shape, diameter of the model, or endoscopist's experience did not affect the accuracy. Accuracy did improve by decreasing the interval between photographs from 4 cm (10.0% error) to 2 cm (4.8% error). In patients, area calculations from maps created by independent technicians correlated precisely (r = 0.99) at 1-cm (n = 22) and 2-cm (n = 40) intervals. Independent endoscopists correlated precisely in producing photographs for map construction (r = 0.99; n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: This novel computer technology produces two-dimensional maps of Barrett's metaplasia that can be used to accurately calculate area. Minimal interobserver variability in obtaining photographs is found.
Authors: Elisabeth I Heath; Marcia Irene Canto; Steven Piantadosi; Elizabeth Montgomery; Wilfred M Weinstein; James G Herman; Andrew J Dannenberg; Vincent W Yang; Albert O Shar; Ernest Hawk; Arlene A Forastiere Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2007-04-04 Impact factor: 13.506
Authors: F T Peters; S Ganesh; E J Kuipers; W J Sluiter; E C Klinkenberg-Knol; C B Lamers; J H Kleibeuker Journal: Gut Date: 1999-10 Impact factor: 23.059
Authors: A O Shar; Marie A Gaudard; Elisabeth I Heath; Arlene A Forastiere; Vincent W Yang; Stephen J Sontag Journal: Dis Esophagus Date: 2008-06-02 Impact factor: 3.429
Authors: Albert O Shar; Marie A Gaudard; Elisabeth I Heath; Arlene A Forastiere; Vincent W Yang; Stephen J Sontag Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2008-11-01 Impact factor: 2.226