Kyoto classification of gastritis, virtual chromoendoscopy and artificial intelligence: Where are we going? What do we need?

Abstract

Chronic gastritis (CG) is a widespread and frequent disease, mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, which is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Virtual chromoendoscopy improves the endoscopic diagnostic efficacy, which is essential to establish the most appropriate therapy and to enable cancer prevention. Artificial intelligence provides algorithms for the diagnosis of gastritis and, in particular, early gastric cancer, but it is not yet used in practice. Thus, technological innovation, through image resolution and processing, optimizes the diagnosis and management of CG and gastric cancer. The endoscopic Kyoto classification of gastritis improves the diagnosis and management of this disease, but through the analysis of the most recent literature, new algorithms can be proposed.

Keywords: Early gastric cancer; Artificial intelligence; Helicobacter pylori; Dysplasia; Image enhanced endoscopy; Kyoto classification of gastritis

Core Tip: Advances in virtual chromoendoscopy have improved the knowledge and management of chronic gastritis and led to the Kyoto classification. Artificial intelligence promotes progression in the management of gastric cancer and the diffusion of innovation, allowing new diagnostic algorithms that include both active inflammation and dysplasia as evolutionary steps towards cancer.