BACKGROUND:

Magnification endoscopy (ME), with 115-fold magnification, allows visualization of duodenal villi. We assessed the efficacy of ME for evaluation of villous atrophy.

METHODS:

ME and duodenal biopsy were done in 16 patients with suspected celiac disease and 16 control subjects undergoing endoscopy for reflux symptoms. The pathologist was unaware of the ME findings.

RESULTS:

Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for villous atrophy (partial or total) were 100%, 91%, 83% and 100%, respectively. Corresponding values for normal villous structure were 91%, 100%, 100% and 83%, respectively. There was significant concordance between the ME and histology findings.

CONCLUSION:

ME is a reliable technique to diagnose villous atrophy.