Research Article: Diagnostic efficacy of magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging for laryngopharyngeal reflux
Abstract:
We aimed to analyze the utility of magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging (ME-BLI) in diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
The study enrolled 106 patients based on LPR-related symptoms. Using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) scales as the clinical reference standard, the study cohort comprised 68 patients with LPR (RSI >13 and/or RFS >7) and 38 controls (RSI ?13 and RFS ?7). All participants underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with ME-BLI. The patients were classified into Grades 1–4 based on the pharyngolaryngeal appearance under ME-BLI and the visibility and characteristics of intraepithelial papillary capillary loops (IPCLs) in the pharyngolaryngeal mucosa. Grades 3 and 4 were defined as LPR-positive. The diagnostic performance of ME-BLI for LPR was compared to the RSI/RFS criteria.
Compared with the RSI/RFS clinical reference standard, ME-BLI demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.71% (95% CI: 81.54–94.44%), a specificity of 73.68% (95% CI: 59.72–84.03%), a positive predictive value of 85.92% (95% CI: 76.34–92.04%), and a negative predictive value of 80.00% (95% CI: 64.06–90.04%) for LPR diagnosis. It also showed good consistency with RSI/RFS diagnosis (Kappa?=?0.65, 95% CI: 0.52–0.78, p <?0.001). Good interobserver agreement in ME-BLI grading was noted (ICC?=?0.858, p <?0.001).
LPR has characteristic pharyngeal manifestations. ME-BLI could potentially improve LPR diagnostic accuracy; however, further validation is required.
Introduction:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to a series of symptoms and signs caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the laryngopharynx ( 1 ). Common LPR symptoms, such as chronic cough, frequent throat clearing, and pharyngeal foreign body sensation, significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. LPR is characterized by the reflux of gastric contents above the upper esophageal sphincter, resulting in extensive laryngopharynx inflammation ( 2 ). This inflammation leads to changes in the superficial…
Read more