Development of a capsule endoscopy scoring index for small bowel mucosal inflammatory change

Summary Background Capsule endoscopy can identify small bowel mucosal inflammatory change. However, there has been no validated index for capsule endoscopy findings. This manuscript documents the development of such an index. Aim To develop a capsule endoscopy scoring index for small bowel mucosal inflammatory change. Methods The index was created in four separate steps. First, parameters and descriptors of inflammatory change were identified. Secondly, blinded readers prospectively graded the presence or absence of each parameter on de‐identified videos and graded a perceived global assessment of overall severity. Thirdly, the individual parameters and descriptors were ranked in order of severity. Fourthly, values for each parameter were created using the descent gradient methodology. The premise was to assure that the final numerical score reflected the global assessment and that the global assessment agreed with the ranking of finding severity. Results were compiled for the three categories: no or clinically insignificant change, mild change, and moderate or severe change. Thresholds were determined. Results The final index includes three parameters: villous oedema, ulcer and stenosis. A score