電子内視鏡における画像解析の進歩

抄録

In 1983, Welch-Allyn developed a new CCD-based endoscope. A videoendoscope or an electronic endoscope primarily uses electric signal through wires, notoptic signal through glass fiber bundle, for transferring images. Taking this advantage over a fiberscope, a number of endoscopists have developed computerized image analyzing system for elecrtonic endoscopy. This tutorial focused on the recent advances in image processing in electronic endoscopy. The image processing in electronic endoscopy includes reproduction or improvement of the image, analysis of morphological character of the lesion and analysis of GI functions. The reproduction (or improvement) of the endoscopic image reduces noises, compresses endoscopic image for picture archiving communication and storage, enhances color of the image, or makes a map of the lesions from a series of endoscopic pictures of narrow GI tract. The morphological analysis measures the size of the lesions or estimates malignant lesion from its texture. Oshiba et al. have reported a morphometric analysis of mucosal reepithelization around the gastric ulcer. Other groups of endoscopists also have contributed to morphometric analysis of various gastric disorders using electronic endoscopy. Since 1986, endoscopic mucosal hemoglobin analyses have been developed by the aid of an electronic endoscope, an image processor and a personal computer. (1-4). Mucosal hemoglobin distribution around gastric ulcer have been demonstrated. Gastric submucosal blood vessels have been analyzed with infrared electronic endoscopy and computer. Such an analysis of GI functions will open a new era in electronic endoscopy.