Role of magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric precancerous conditions: Few issues

Standard endoscopy with biopsy and narrow-band imaging with guided biopsy are techniques for the detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastritis and precancerous lesions. In this study, the authors compared standard endoscopy and magnified narrow-band imaging (commonly known as NBI-M) in the diagnosis of H. pylori infections, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia. Although the sensitivity of NBI-M is better than standard endoscopy, the diagnostic accuracy did not differ substantially between the diagnostic modalities. Future prospective studies may guide endoscopists in difficult cases regarding which modality is more useful and cost-effective for the diagnosis of H. pylori-related gastritis and precancerous conditions.

Automated summary

This study compared standard endoscopy and NBI-M in the diagnosis of H. pylori infections, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia. Although NBI-M had better sensitivity, the diagnostic accuracy was similar between the modalities. Future studies may help guide endoscopists in choosing the most effective and cost-effective diagnostic modality for difficult cases of H. pylori-related gastritis and precancerous conditions.