Rendimiento diagnóstico de la broncoscopia con biopsia transbronquial en el estudio de lesiones sugerentes de cáncer pulmonar

Abstract

Background : Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used for the diagnosis of lung cancer . Aim : To report our experience with bronchoscopy and transbronchial biopsies for the diagnosis of potentially malignant pulmonary lesions . Material and Methods : Revision of electronic records from patients who underwent transbronchial biopsies seeking for lung cancer . The diagnostic yield of the procedure was evaluated using pathology reports or a 24 months follow up . Results : 261 patients were included . Bronchoscopy was diagnostic in 65% of cases . Lesions mean diameter was 51 mm (range 9 - 120 mm) . Diagnostic yield for lesions less than 30 mm was 59% , for lesions less than 35 mm was 61% , and for lesions over 40 mm was 69% . The presence of malignant lesions and their location in the superior or middle lobe were associated with a better predictive value of the procedure . TNM staging was IIIB / IV in 80% of the patient at the time of diagnosis . Conclusions : The diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy is influenced by the etiology and location of lung lesions . (Rev Med Chile 2015 ; 143 : 433 - 438)