Open AccessTransbronchial Cryobiopsy in Interstitial Lung Diseases
Author(s) -
Sameer K. Avasarala,
Athol U. Wells,
Thomas V. Colby,
Fabien Maldonado
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of bronchology and interventional pulmonology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.648
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1944-6586
pISSN - 1948-8270
DOI - 10.1097/lbr.0000000000000716
Subject(s) - pulmonologists , medicine , interstitial lung disease , pulmonologist , intensive care medicine , bronchoscopy , multidisciplinary team , medical physics , lung , radiology , nursing
Interstitial lung diseases are a heterogenous group of disorders that are often difficult to diagnose precisely. Clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and histologic information may be needed to arrive at the correct diagnosis. The multidisciplinary discussion has been proven to be useful in this patient group. Transbronchial cryobiopsy has become a popular method for obtaining tissue samples. Over the course of the last decade, there has been a significant amount of research assessing the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic endpoints of transbronchial cryobiopsy in patients with interstitial lung disease. Data continues to mount to support its use, which has been reflected in guidelines and expert panel reports. Patient selection, procedural performance, and appropriate specimen handling are critical factors for success. A coordinated approach by pulmonologists with expertise in interstitial lung diseases, interventional pulmonologists, and thoracic pathologists is essential. In this evidence-based narrative review, we address transbronchial cryobiopsies from these three distinct perspectives. In addition, the current literature was used to address nine common procedural questions.