Structured terminology for capsule endoscopy : Results of retrospective testing and validation in 766 small-bowel investigations

Background and study aims: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is an effective means of investigating the small bowel in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Computerized reports are frequently used in endoscopy, and the Minimal Standard Terminology (MST) has been promoted by endoscopy societies as the official vocabulary for endoscopy. The aims of this study were to design a lexicon for CE reports based on the principles of the MST and to validate lists of terms for describing findings and reasons for performing a CE by cross-matching them with the results of CE procedures collected during ongoing clinical studies. Materials and methods: A consensus-based Capsule Endoscopy Structured Terminology (CEST) was developed by experts involved in CE studies. Lists of terms suitable for CE were designed for the various sections of an endoscopic report. They were then correlated with the corresponding MST lists for duodenal and intestinal endoscopy. The results of 766 CE procedures, collected in an electronic case record form (eCRF), were analyzed to provide lists of reasons for performing the procedures and of the findings. The eCRF provided only a limited number of items for each data field, along with free-text facilities. Only descriptions pertaining to the small bowel were analyzed. Lists of terms were then reviewed by two experts to group obvious synonyms. The accuracy of the CEST was defined beforehand as the capability to describe 90% of entries. Results: A total of 766 CE procedures were analyzed. The eCRF included 824 entries as reasons for the examination in 655 CEs (1.3 per procedure). These represented 122 different expressions. After grouping of synonyms, 28 expressions remained. Among them, 10 were matched with terms from the list of reasons for performing CE offered in the CEST. These were the most frequently used, accounting for 768 entries in this field (93.2%). All eCRFs contained at least one description of findings. A total of 109 CE procedures were classified as normal (14.3%). A total of 2624 entries for abnormal findings were recorded for 657 procedures (4.0 per procedure). In all, 213 different expressions were used to describe abnormal findings. After grouping of synonyms, 52 expressions remained. Among these, 27 were matched with terms from the list of findings in the CEST, covering 2403 entries (91.6%). Conclusions: In this study, CEST terms were capable of describing more than 90% of the reasons for performance and of the findings in an unselected set of CE procedures. CEST is therefore suitable for use as the standard lexicon for CE reports. Adopted as a standard, it could significantly improve the quality of the data collected and reported in CE studies

Capsule Endoscopy Structured Terminology (CEST) : Proposal of a standardized and structured terminology for reporting capsule endoscopy procedures

This Capsule Endoscopy Structured Terminology (CEST) is a copyrighted work, protected by United States and worldwide copyright laws and treaties. Users of the CEST are hereby granted a free license to use, copy or distribute the CEST in connection with supporting a structured terminology for capsule endoscopy, subject to the following conditions: 1. This copyright and terms of use notice must be displayed on each and every copy of the CEST, on all manuals and other materials used in connection with the CEST, including without limitation electronic media (i.e., disks, CD-ROMs, etc.), and in all text files loaded onto electronic media or the Internet. Such copyright and terms of use notice shall not be removed, obscured, modified or otherwise hidden. All references to the CEST, in whole or in part, shall properly cite the CEST as the source for such reference. Proper citation shall read "Capsule Endoscopy Structured Terminology (CEST), Endoscopy 2005; 37: 951-959 (February 16, 2002 (9 Given Imaging Ltd.)". 2. The CEST shall not be used, in whole or in part, to harm or degrade the reputation of Given Imaging or any participant in the Given Capsule Standard Working Group (the "GCSWG"). 3. Neither Given Imaging nor any participant in the GCSWG shall be liable for any errors or omissions contained in the CEST, or for any use you or any third party may make of the CEST. Given Imaging reserves the right to make changes to the CEST without notice. The information contained in the CEST is provided on an "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the results or effects obtained through use of information, or that it is fit for any use intended or can be used without infringing the copyright or other proprietary rights of any third party. All express and implied warranties, including those relating to title, non-infringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded with respect to any information provided hereunder