Cryoprobe biopsy for the diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure of undetermined origin

Rationale Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is a condition that comprises a wide array of entities. Obtaining a histological lung sample might help reach a diagnosis and direct an appropriate treatment in a select group of patients.Objective To describe our experience in the use of cryobiopsy for the diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure of undetermined origin.Methods Retrospective analysis of case series of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent lung cryobiopsy at the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina.Results Cryobiopsy yielded a histological diagnosis in all patients ( n  = 10, 100%). This led to either a change in therapy or continuation of a specific treatment in eight of these patients. Cryobiopsy was found to be contributive in all the patients who did not meet Berlin criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome. No major complications were associated with the procedure.Conclusions Cryobiopsy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield in a selected group of patients.