Magnifying chromoscopy, a novel and useful technique for colonoscopy in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by exacerbations and remissions. The degree of inflammation as assessed by conventional colonoscopy is a reliable parameter of disease activity. However, even when conventional colonoscopy suggests remission and normal mucosal findings, microscopic abnormalities may persist, and relapse may occur later. Patients with long-standing, extensive ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer is characterized by an early age at onset, poorly differentiated tumor cells, mucinous carcinoma, and multiple lesions. Early detection of dysplasia and colitic cancer is thus a prerequisite for survival. A relatively new method, magnifying chromoscopy, is thought to be useful for the early detection and diagnosis of dysplasia and colitic cancer, as well as the prediction of relapse.