The cryobiopsy in interstitial lung diseases guided by probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy is feasible

Abstract

BackgroundTransbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLB) is routinely used to diagnose the interstitial lung disease (ILD). These results are consistent with those of surgical lung biopsy. Fluoroscopy is also used to confirm the final position of the cryoprobe; however, it can increase radiation exposure for both patients and medical care personnel. Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a novel optical imaging technique that allows real‐time imaging at the cellular level in vivo. pCLE technology can also be used to identify malignancy, acute rejection in lung transplantation, amiodarone lung, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and visualize elastin fibres in the alveolar compartment.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate the ability of pCLE to distinguish fibrotic pulmonary issues from normal lung disease and the safety and feasibility of CLE‐guided bronchoscopy and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).MethodspCLE images from 17 ILD patients were obtained during TBLB. These images were then compared with histology results to assess the correspondence rate.ResultspCLE imaging of the alveolar structures was performed. Key characteristics were visible, which could potentially influence the diagnostic rate (fibrotic areas) and the complication rate (blood vessel and pleura).ConclusionpCLE may reduce complications and increase the diagnostic yield. It is a potential guidance tool for cryobiopsy in the patients with ILD without fluoroscopy.

Novel diagnostic processes and challenges in bronchoscopy

“…It can aid in the identification of specific cellular features, such as cellular atypia or inflammatory cell infiltrates, that may not be visible under white light bronchoscopy. It can be used as a guiding system to find optimal cryobiopsy location in interstitial lung diseases [ 4 ].…”