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Review
. 2017 Feb;5(1):5-12.
doi: 10.1177/2050640616658220. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

Endoscopic techniques to detect small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A literature review

Roberta Elisa Rossi  1 , Dario Conte  1 , Luca Elli  2 , Federica Branchi  2 , Sara Massironi  3
Affiliations
Review

Endoscopic techniques to detect small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A literature review

Roberta Elisa Rossi et al. United European Gastroenterol J. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SbNETs) has improved with the advent of video capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The data describing the efficacy of CE/DBE in the detection of SbNETs are scanty.

Aim: The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on the role of DBE and CE in the diagnosis of SbNETs.

Material and methods: A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the following keywords: "neuroendocrine tumors and enteroscopy/and capsule endoscopy" and "small bowel neuroendocrine tumors."

Results: CE and DBE can be complementary and show a similar diagnostic yield. The number of false-negative results has not been established yet because of the "work-up bias" observed in the majority of the studies.

Conclusions: DBE and CE appear to be both safe and effective procedures useful in the diagnosis of SbNETs. Further studies are required to clarify their potential complications and relationship with other techniques, particularly nuclear imaging.

Keywords: Neuroendocrine tumors; capsule endoscopy; double-balloon enteroscopy; small bowel.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The flowchart elucidating the study selection process.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Endoscopic appearance of a small bowel neuroendocrine tumor (SbNET). Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) brings the advantage of allowing the obtaining of tissue samples.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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