Bronchoscopy role in interstitial lung disease

Abstract

Fiber-optic bronchoscopy is considered an important procedure in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) since it can lead to or discard a diagnosis in many cases. During the last years, the application of thoracic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to ILD evaluation has enhanced the diagnostic approach, but cytological or histological study is often needed to make a confident ILD diagnosis. Frequently, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) play a significant role in making an accurate diagnosis of specific forms of ILD. However, the standardization of TBLB and BAL protocols, as well as the correct interpretation of thoracic HRCT for the procedure indication, is crucial for optimizing the usefulness of both techniques.