Flexible transbronchial needle aspiration for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1989 Apr;98(4 Pt 1):298-300. doi: 10.1177/000348948909800412.

Abstract

To determine the value of transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, we reviewed a 1-year experience of consecutive patients with sarcoidosis presenting with hilar and/or paratracheal adenopathy. The sensitivity of transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy in obtaining specimens of noncaseating granulomas was 90%. This yield exceeds that of most published reports of transbronchial lung biopsy and bronchial mucosal biopsy and suggests that transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy may be a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of these forms of sarcoidosis.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle / methods*
  • Bronchoscopy / methods
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*