title: Perspectives using probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy of the respiratory tract.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is on the edge of entering daily practice in gastroenterological endoscopy, findings in the field of respiratory medicine are only rarely reported, keeping pCLE during flexible bronchoscopy as a mere preclinical research tool. Since the endomicroscopic aspects of normal bronchial and alveolar tissue have recently been described, we want to take part in the development of a pCLE glossary, describing the pCLE features of pulmonary pathologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recruited among patients referred for diagnostic bronchoscopy for pCLE imaging. Images from the central airways were obtained in every patient and alveoloscopy was performed in at least five sub-segments per patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using pCLE imaging, we were able to discriminate normal from abnormal endomicroscopical patterns in four respiratory conditions. These findings were matched with classical histopathology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reflecting on our own experience using pCLE imaging, we summarise the present state of knowledge, discuss five clinical cases and discuss current limitations and the future promise of this novel imaging tool.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Division University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium. jonas.yserbyt@uzleuven.be
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yserbyt
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dooms
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ninane
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Decramer
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Verleden
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D061848:Optical Imaging; D011649:Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / Q000473:pathology*; D055732:Pulmonary Aspergillosis / Q000473:pathology*