Abstract
Introduction: In Interstitial lung disease (ILD), when an aetiological factor is absent and clinical-radiological identification is non-contributory, histology is required in the form of surgical lung biopsy (SLB). SLB is not without risk. Cryotechnically harvested specimens are significantly larger, containing more alveolar tissue and less crush artefact than conventional transbronchial biopsies and may offer an alternative to SLB
Methods: This was a prospective study. Patients were identified for cryoprobe transbronchial lung biopsy (cTBLB) at the regional ILD multidisciplinary meeting. The procedures were performed under standardised technique using a flexible bronchoscopse and cryoprobe. Biopsies were reviewed by an expert lung pathologist. Complications and sample-quality variables were assessed
Results: 27 procedures in 24 patients were performed. 66% (16) were males and average age was 66.2 y. A total of 77 biopsies were obtained (Average 2.85 biopsies per procedure). Average biopsy diameter was 7mm. All biopsies were of adequate size and contained alveolated tissue. UIP was diagnosed in 23 (85%) biopsies, granulomatous disease in 2 and eosinophilic pneumonia in 1 biopsy. One patient subsequently proceeded to surgical lung biopsy as no diagnosis could be made. 7 (25.9%) cases developed a pneumothorax. Only 2 (7%) of them required chest tube drainage. 5 cases (18.5%) developed bleeding (3 (11.1%) moderate and 2 (7.4%) mild)
Conclusion: This study illustrates the safety and utility of cTBLB in diagnosing ILD with an acceptable complication rate.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
