MICROVASCULAR BLOOD FLOW RATE ANALYSIS USING GASTRIC MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE (WITH VIDEOS)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in cases of Helicobacter pylori(HP)-uninfected and HP-eradicated early gastric cancer and, posing challenges for endoscopic diagnosis. Consequently, there is an immediate need for new diagnostic modalities for early gastric cancer. This study investigated the movement of red blood cells in gastric microvessels during gastric magnification endoscopy. We developed a novel diagnostic method for analyzing blood flow velocity using gastric magnification endoscopy images. This dynamic diagnostic modality has been investigated to date. In a pilot study, the authors reported a significant reduction in blood flow velocity in early gastric cancer compared to patchy redness and background gastric mucosa. Subsequently, we developed a software program capable of automated blood flow velocity analysis, enhancing the objectivity of the analysis method. This paper outlines the process of analyzing blood flow velocity in magnified gastric endoscopic images using a software program and underscores its utility in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.