Subepithelial vascular patterns in bronchial dysplasias using a high magnification bronchovideoscope

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Abstract
Background: We have developed a method of high magnification bronchovideoscopy that enables improved observation of subepithelial vascular patterns of the bronchial mucosa. A study was undertaken to investigate the value of high magnification bronchovideoscopy in the detailed examination of dysplasia in the bronchial mucosa of patients with abnormal mucosal fluorescence. Methods: Thirty one patients with sputum cytology specimens suspicious or positive for malignancy were entered into the study. Conventional white light examination was first performed under local anaesthesia and fluorescence bronchoscopy was also carried out using a light induced fluorescence endoscopy (LIFE) lung system. A high magnification bronchovideoscope (XBF 200HM2) was then used to examine the microvascular network in the bronchial mucosa at sites of normal and abnormal fluorescence and the images obtained were compared with pathological diagnoses from bronchial biopsy specimens. Vascular area ratios were calculated using image analysing apparatus. Results: Vascular networks with regular patterns were observed at 20 of 22 abnormal fluorescence sites in biopsy specimens from patients with bronchitis. However, vascular networks with increased vessel growth and complex networks of tortuous vessels of various sizes were observed in 15 of 21 abnormal fluorescence sites in dysplasia specimens. There was a significant difference between bronchitis and dysplasia specimens (OR=25, 95% CI 5.5 to 113, pConclusion: Areas of increased vessel growth and complex networks of tortuous vessels in the bronchial mucosa detected using a high magnification bronchovideoscope at sites of abnormal fluorescence may enable discrimination between bronchitis and dysplasia.