Introduction of cryobiopsies in the diagnostics of interstitial lung diseases - experiences in a referral center.
Introduction: Transbronchial cryobiopsies (cTBB) has emerged as a new method for obtaining lung tissue biopsies in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Until now, it has been used in a few highly specialized interventional centers and has shown promising results in obtaining a definite diagnosis of ILDs.Method: All patients undergoing a cTBB between November 2015 and June 2016 were included in this case series study. Data on patient demographics, high-resolution computed tomography patterns, size and number of biopsies, histology patterns, the contribution to a confident diagnosis and complications were registered.Results: Thirty-eight patients underwent cTBB in the period. cTBB contributed to the diagnosis in 28 (74%) of the 38 patients. Only few complications were observed; pneumothorax was the most frequent complication (10 patients, 26%). In six patients, local bleeding occurred during the procedure and was easily controlled by a Fogarty catheter balloon and in some cases tranexamic acid.Conclusion: Performing cTBB in the diagnostics of ILDs is a safe and feasible procedure. cTBB resulted in a confident diagnosis in 74% of cases.
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Sissel
S
Kronborg-White
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Birgitte
B
Folkersen
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Torben Riis
TR
Rasmussen
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Nina
N
Voldby
Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Line Bille
LB
Madsen
Department of Radiology, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Finn
F
Rasmussen
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale Morgagni, Forli, Italy.
Venerino
V
Poletti
Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital , Denmark.
Elisabeth
E
Bendstrup
Cryobiopsy; diagnostic techniques; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; interstitial lung disease; respiratory system