Quantitative assessment of endoscopic images for degree of villous atrophy in celiac disease

  • Edward J. Ciaccio
  • , Govind Bhagat
  • , Christina A. Tennyson
  • , Suzanne K. Lewis
  • , Lincoln Hernandez
  • , Peter H.R. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The degree of villous atrophy in celiac disease is difficult to assess at endoscopy. We sought to develop a quantitative technique for the evaluation of villous atrophy in endoscopic images. Method: In ten celiac patients as identified by standard endoscopy with biopsy, and ten control patients, standard and videocapsule endoscopic images of the duodenum were digitized. Subimages 7.5 × 7.5 mm2 in area from random locations within each image were assessed by measuring the length of mucosal fissures per unit area (L), and correlating L with the histologic grade of villous atrophy as determined by modified Marsh criteria. Results: Mean L values for standard endoscopic images were 37.8, 43.3, 64.1, and 83.5 mm for Marsh grades II, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc, respectively. Mean L values for videocapsule images were 49.1, 50.0, 64.7, and 72.4 mm for Marsh grades II, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc, respectively. Significant differences in the means existed between celiac images (Marsh scores II-IIIc) versus controls (p < 0.001) for both endoscopic and videocapsule images. There were no significant differences between measurements obtained from endoscopic versus videocapsule images. Conclusions: Quantified image analysis correlates with the histologic grade of villous atrophy, is automated, and lacks observer bias, thus lending itself to standardization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)805-811
Number of pages7
JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences
Volume56
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Celiac disease
  • Endoscopy
  • Videocapsule
  • Villous atrophy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quantitative assessment of endoscopic images for degree of villous atrophy in celiac disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this