Transbronchial Cryobiopsy in Interstitial Lung Disease: Safety of a Standardized Procedure

Low bleeding rates following transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in unclassifiable interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Bronchoscopic transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a guideline-endorsed alternative to surgical lung biopsy for tissue diagnosis in unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (ILD). The reported incidence of post-procedural bleeding has varied widely. We aimed to characterize the incidence, severity and risk factors for clinically significant bleeding following TBLC using an expert-consensus airway bleeding scale, in addition to other complications and diagnostic yield.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult outpatients with unclassifiable ILD who underwent TBLC following multidisciplinary discussion at a single centre in the UK between July 2016 and December 2021. TBLC was performed under general anaesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance and a prophylactic endobronchial balloon.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six patients underwent TBLC (68.3% male; mean age 62.7 years; FVC 86.2%; DLCO 54.5%). Significant bleeding requiring balloon blocker reinflation for >20 min, admission to ICU, packed red blood cell transfusion, bronchial artery embolization, resuscitation or procedural abandonment, occurred in 10 cases (7.9%). Significant bleeding was associated with traction bronchiectasis on HRCT (OR 7.1, CI 1.1-59.1, p = 0.042), a TBLC histological pattern of UIP (OR 4.0, CI 1.1-14, p = 0.046) and the presence of medium-large vessels on histology (OR 37.3, CI 6.5-212, p < 0.001). BMI ≥30 (p = 0.017) and traction bronchiectasis on HRCT (p = 0.025) were significant multivariate predictors of longer total bleeding time (p = 0.017). Pneumothorax occurred in nine cases (7.1%) and the 30-day mortality was 0%. Diagnostic yield was 80.6%.

CONCLUSION

TBLC has an acceptable safety profile in experienced hands. Radiological traction bronchiectasis and obesity increase the risk of significant bleeding following TBLC.

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy and pulmonary fibrosis: A never-ending story?

Background

The diagnostic process of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is often challenging, requires a collaborative effort of several experts, and often requires bioptic material, which can be difficult to obtain, both in terms of quality and technique. The main procedures available to obtain such samples are transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) and surgical lung biopsy (SLB).

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for the role of TBLC in the diagnostic-therapeutic process of PF.

Methods

A comprehensive review was performed to identify articles to date that addressed the role of TBLC in the diagnostic-therapeutic process of PF using the PubMed® database.

Results

The reasoned search identified 206 papers, including 21 manuscripts (three reviews, one systematic review, two guidelines, two prospective studies, three retrospective studies, one cross-sectional study, one original article, three editorials, three clinical trials, and two unclassifiable studies), which were included in the final review.

Conclusions

TBLC is gaining increasing efficacy and improving safety profile; however, there are currently no clear data demonstrating its superiority over SLB. Therefore, the two techniques should be considered with careful rationalization on a case-by-case basis. Further research is needed to further optimize and standardize the procedure and to thoroughly study the histological and molecular characteristics of PF.

Role of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease: A Meta-analysis of 68 Studies and 6300 Patients

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is based on multidisciplinary team discussion (MDD) with the incorporation of clinical, radiographical, and histopathologic information if available. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety outcomes of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in the diagnosis of ILD.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis by comprehensive literature search to include all studies that evaluated the diagnostic yields and/or adverse events with TBLC in patients with ILD. We calculated the pooled event rates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the diagnostic yield by MDD, histopathologic diagnostic yield, and various clinical adverse events.

RESULTS

We included 68 articles (44 full texts and 24 abstracts) totaling 6386 patients with a mean age of 60.7±14.1 years and 56% men. The overall diagnostic yield of TBLC to achieve a definite or high-confidence diagnosis based on MDD was 82.3% (95% CI: 78.9%-85.2%) and histopathologic diagnosis of 72.5% (95% CI: 67.7%-76.9%). The overall rate of pneumothorax was 9.6% (95% CI: 7.9%-11%), while the rate of pneumothorax requiring drainage by a thoracostomy tube was 5.3% (95% CI: 4.1%-6.9%). The rate of moderate bleeding was 11.7% (95% CI: 9.1%-14.9%), while the rate of severe bleeding was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4%-2.6%). The risk of mortality attributed to the procedure was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.7%-1.3%).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with undiagnosed or unclassified ILD requiring tissue biopsy for diagnosis, transbronchial cryobiopsy represents a reliable alternative to surgical lung biopsy with decreased incidence of various clinical adverse events.

Sensitivity of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of different interstitial lung diseases

The accuracy of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in each disease for pathological and multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis is not yet established.

METHOD

We investigated 431 patients who were classified by MDD diagnosis and were grouped into the disease categories. For each category or disease, we used TBLC samples to calculate the sensitivities of the pathological diagnosis compared with MDD diagnoses. Further, we compared these sensitivities to pathological diagnoses with all clinical/radiological information.

RESULT

The sensitivity for diagnosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIPs) with TBLC was higher than connective tissue disease associated ILD (CTD-ILD). Idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (iNSIP), fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and some CTD-ILDs were diagnosed with lower sensitivities compared to IPF. The sensitivity of pathological diagnosis with all clinical/radiological information in IPF was higher than in iNSIP, but not significantly different from other diseases. The overall sensitivity of the pathological diagnosis with clinical/radiological information was 69.0%, significantly higher than without clinical/radiological information.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of pathological diagnosis with TBLC was low for some diseases except IPF. The addition of all clinical/radiological information increased the sensitivity of pathology diagnosis by TBLC, which was no less sensitive than IPF for all diseases except iNSIP.

Risk factors of clinically significant complications in transbronchial lung cryobiopsy: A prospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND

The use of a transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is increasing as a diagnostic method of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with clinically significant complications of TBLC in ILD patients.

METHODS

Patients referred to Kuopio or Tampere university hospitals, in Finland, for a suspected ILD were included. The TBLC was performed in an outpatient setting for 100 patients. Patients were mechanically ventilated in general anesthesia. Fluoroscopy guidance and prophylactic bronchial balloon were used. Complications, such as bleeding, pneumothorax, infections, and mortality were recorded. Moderate or serious bleeding, pneumothorax, or death ≤90 days were defined as clinically significant complications. A multivariable model was created to assess clinically significant complications.

RESULTS

The extent of traction bronchiectasis (Odds ratio [OR] 1.30, Confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.65, p = 0.027) and young age (OR 7.96, CI 2.32-27.3, p = 0.001) were associated with the risk of clinically significant complications whereas the use of oral corticosteroids ≤30 days before the TBLC (OR 3.65, CI 0.911-14.6, p = 0.068) did not quite reach statistical significance. A history of serious cough was associated with the risk of pneumothorax (OR 4.18, CI 1.10-16.0, p = 0.036). Procedure associated mortality ≤90 days was 1%.

CONCLUSION

The extent of traction bronchiectasis on HRCT and young age were associated with the risk of clinically significant complications whereas oral corticosteroid use did not quite reach statistical significance. A history of serious cough was associated with the risk of clinically significant pneumothorax.

Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Systematic Review

RATIONALE

In 2018, a systematic review evaluating transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) was performed to inform American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Respiratory Society (ERS), Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS), and Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax (ALAT) clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a new systematic review to inform updated guidelines.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR) were searched through June 2020. Studies that enrolled patients with ILD and reported the diagnostic yield or complication rates of TBLC were selected for inclusion. Data was extracted and then pooled across studies via meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Histopathologic diagnostic yield (number of procedures that yielded a histopathologic diagnosis divided by the total number of procedures performed) of TBLC was 80% (95% CI 76-83%) in patients with ILD. TBLC was complicated by bleeding and pneumothorax in 30% (95% CI 20-41%) and 8% (95% CI 6-11%) of patients, respectively. Procedure-related mortality, severe bleeding, prolonged air leak, acute exacerbation, respiratory failure, and respiratory infection were rare. The quality of the evidence was very low due to the uncontrolled study designs, lack of consecutive enrollment, and inconsistent results.

CONCLUSION

Very low-quality evidence indicated that TBLC has a diagnostic yield of approximately 80% in patients with ILD, with manageable complications.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (an Update) and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults: An Official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline

Background: This American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society, Japanese Respiratory Society, and Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax guideline updates prior idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) guidelines and addresses the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than IPF. Methods: A committee was composed of multidisciplinary experts in ILD, methodologists, and patient representatives. 1) Update of IPF: Radiological and histopathological criteria for IPF were updated by consensus. Questions about transbronchial lung cryobiopsy, genomic classifier testing, antacid medication, and antireflux surgery were informed by systematic reviews and answered with evidence-based recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. 2) Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF): PPF was defined, and then radiological and physiological criteria for PPF were determined by consensus. Questions about pirfenidone and nintedanib were informed by systematic reviews and answered with evidence-based recommendations using the GRADE approach. Results:1) Update of IPF: A conditional recommendation was made to regard transbronchial lung cryobiopsy as an acceptable alternative to surgical lung biopsy in centers with appropriate expertise. No recommendation was made for or against genomic classifier testing. Conditional recommendations were made against antacid medication and antireflux surgery for the treatment of IPF. 2) PPF: PPF was defined as at least two of three criteria (worsening symptoms, radiological progression, and physiological progression) occurring within the past year with no alternative explanation in a patient with an ILD other than IPF. A conditional recommendation was made for nintedanib, and additional research into pirfenidone was recommended. Conclusions: The conditional recommendations in this guideline are intended to provide the basis for rational, informed decisions by clinicians.

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy has shown promise in several studies in providing meaningful histological information in the multidisciplinary team diagnosis of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. The purpose of this review is to describe recent literature providing support for the formal integration of cryobiopsy into the algorithm for interstitial lung disease diagnosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Histopathological concordance between cryobiopsy and surgical biopsy and diagnostic agreement at multidisciplinary discussion have been reported good; furthermore, cryobiopsy may provide an increased diagnostic confidence to a level likely to influence management. Finally, although cryobiopsy is more likely to provide a probable usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern than a definite UIP pattern, given the limited sampling of sub-pleural lung parenchyma in most cases, finding of a probable UIP pattern at cryobiopsy samples is strongly predictive of a definite UIP pattern in the corresponding surgical biopsy and when a UIP pattern is found on cryobiopsy sample, this is associated with higher mortality compared with other histological patterns.

SUMMARY

Cryobiopsy is becoming a valid alternative to surgical lung biopsy for making histopathological diagnosis in patients with interstitial lung diseases of undetermined type in experienced centres, with standardized protocols, in order to have the best risks/diagnostic yields ratio.

Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy in children

BACKGROUND

Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a novel technique, available globally only in a limited number of centers. Since the data on the role of TBLCs amongst pediatric patients is limited, the aim was to evaluate its efficacy in diagnosing lung diseases amongst children.

METHODS

The records of 28 pediatric patients were retrospectively reviewed from October 2016 till September 2018. The participants' demographic information, procedural indications, sample adequacy, diagnostic utility, and the complications associated with this type of bronchoscopy apparatus were further assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight pediatric patients aged 22 months to 17 years underwent TBLC. From the 73 obtained biopsies, 97% had an adequate sampling size. The diagnostic yield of this method was 92.8%. The most common complication was mild bleeding. Transient hypoxemia and bronchospasm were observed in eleven and eight patients, respectively. Furthermore, most of them (78.6%) had uneventful post-procedure and recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

TBLC was a relatively safe and effective method with high accuracy and fewer complications in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases in the selected children. However, more extensive multicentre trials are warranted to corroborate the potential benefits of this novel technique.

Lung Cryobiopsy Outside of the Operating Room: A Safe Alternative to Surgical Biopsy

Objective

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a promising technique that can provide a histologic diagnosis in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and is an alternative to surgical lung biopsy. The main concerns with the procedure are safety and diagnostic accuracy. The technique is applicable in patients unable to undergo surgical biopsy due to severe comorbidities or when patient transport to the operating room is dangerous. This study reports the initial experience with TBLC on a thoracic surgical service as a first attempt at diagnosis in patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD).

Methods

Between May 2018 and July 2020, 32 patients underwent TBLC using bedside flexible bronchoscopy for suspected ILD on a thoracic surgical endoscopy service. Retrospective evaluation of the procedure details, complications, and diagnostic yield were analyzed and reported.

Results

A total of 89 pathological samples were obtained (mean 2.8 per patient). Pneumothorax and minor bleeding occurred in 25% and 16.7% of patients, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of complications occurred with use of the 2.4 mm cryoprobe (P = 0.036). Concordance between the histologic diagnosis and final clinical diagnosis was observed in 62.5% of patients and the pathology guided the final treatment in 71% (P = 0.027) with Kappa-concordance of 0.60 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cryobiopsy is becoming part of the diagnostic evaluation in patients with indeterminate DPLD or hypoxemic respiratory failure. TBLC is easy to perform and has a favorable safety profile. Thoracic specialists should consider adding TBLC to their procedural armamentarium as a first option for patients with indeterminate PLD.

Transbronchial Biopsy and Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis among Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Rationale: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a diagnosis based on clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. The evidence supporting transbronchial forceps lung biopsy (TBBx) and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) as sampling techniques to diagnose HP in patients with newly detected ILD has not been reviewed systematically.Objectives: A systematic review was performed to assess the diagnostic yield and complication rates of TBBx or TBLC in patients with newly detected ILD whose differential diagnosis includes HP and to inform the development of the American Thoracic Society, Japanese Respiratory Society, and Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis of HP.Methods: Medline, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane Library were searched through October 2019. Studies that enrolled patients with ILD and reported the diagnostic yield of TBBx or TBLC were selected for inclusion. Data related to diagnostic yield and safety outcomes were extracted and then pooled across studies via meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach.Results: The histopathologic diagnostic yields (number of procedures that yielded a histopathologic diagnosis divided by the total number of procedures performed) of TBBx and TBLC were 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32-42%) and 82% (95% CI, 78-86%), respectively, among patients with ILD. Among those diagnosed by TBBx, the proportion with HP could not be determined. However, among those diagnosed by TBLC, 13.4% had HP. TBBx was complicated by moderate to severe bleeding, severe bleeding, and pneumothorax in 4% (95% CI, 0-8%), 0% (95% CI, 0-1%), and 7% (95% CI, 2-13%) of patients, respectively. TBLC was complicated by any bleeding, severe bleeding, and pneumothorax in 11% (95% CI, 7-15%), 0% (95% CI, 0-1%), and 11% (95% CI, 9-14%) of patients, respectively. The quality of the evidence was very low because of the uncontrolled study designs, lack of consecutive enrollment, and inconsistent results.Conclusions: Very low-quality evidence indicated that TBLC had a higher diagnostic yield than TBBx among patients with ILD, although complications were similar.

Radial EBUS-Guided Cryobiopsy of Peripheral Lung Lesions With Flexible Bronchoscopy Without Using Guide-Sheath

BACKGROUND

A guide-sheath (GS) is conventionally used as a conduit for biopsy forceps under the guidance of radial endobronchial ultrasound (REBUS) for sampling the peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). As compared with forceps, the cryoprobe has the advantage of obtaining larger samples. There is a paucity of literature on the use of cryobiopsy for PPL. We evaluated the diagnostic yield and safety of the REBUS-guided cryobiopsy (REBUS-CB) without using GS for the diagnosis of PPL.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the database of 126 patients with PPL between November 2015 and December 2019. The REBUS-CB was performed using a flexible bronchoscopy without GS. Multidisciplinary consensus diagnostic yield was determined and procedural complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The histopathologic diagnosis by REBUS-CB, which is the primary objective of the study was obtained in 99 (78.6%) of total 126 cases. Yield was significantly higher in central lesions as compared to adjacent lesions visualized by the REBUS probe (81.4% versus 53.8%, P=0.021) but not significantly different between large (≥30 mm) and small (<30 mm) lesions (81.6% versus 71.8%, P=0.214). The average largest diameter of biopsy specimens was 6.9 mm (range 1-12, SD 2.132). We witnessed moderate bleeding in 7 (5.6%) and post procedure hypoxic respiratory failure in 4 (3.2%) cases which could be managed without escalation of care.

CONCLUSION

The REBUS-CB from peripheral lung lesions are feasible even without using GS and significantly large samples can be obtained.

Integrating endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy with molecular testing of immunotherapy biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer

Immunotherapy has transformed treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients leading to remarkable long-term survival benefit. However, only about 20% of advanced NSCLC patients typically respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. The only validated biomarker for ICI therapy is the PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) test, which is considered an imperfect assay due to several variables including availability and integrity of tumour tissue, variability in staining/scoring techniques and heterogeneity in PD-L1 protein expression within and across tumour biopsies. Herein, we discuss integrating minimally invasive EBUS bronchoscopy procedures with novel molecular approaches to improve accuracy and sensitivity of PD-L1 testing. EBUS guided bronchoscopy facilitates repeated sampling of tumour tissue to increase the probability of detecting PD-L1 positive tumours. Since intra-tumoural PD-L1 (CD274) copy number is reported to be less heterogeneous than PD-L1 protein detection, quantifying PD-L1 transcript levels may increase detection of PD-L1 positive tumours. PD-L1 transcript levels show excellent concordance with PD-L1 IHC scoring and multiplex digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays that quantify absolute PD-L1 transcript copy number have been developed. ddPCR can also be automated for high throughput detection of low abundant variants with excellent sensitivity and accuracy to improve the broader application of diagnostic cut-off values. Optimizing diagnostic workflows that integrate optimal EBUS bronchoscopy procedures with emerging molecular ICI biomarker assays may improve the selection criteria for ICI therapy benefit.

Integration of cryobiopsies for interstitial lung disease diagnosis is a valid and safe diagnostic strategy-experiences based on 250 biopsy procedures

Background

Transbronchial cryobiopsies has become increasingly used in the diagnostic workup in patients suspected of having interstitial lung disease. The procedure is associated with less complications, morbidity and mortality compared to surgical lung biopsies although with a diagnostic yield that is not as high, but close to that of surgical lung biopsies. The aim of the present study was to describe the complications and diagnostic yield and their prognostic factors.

Methods

All patients undergoing transbronchial cryobiopsies at the Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, were included in this prospective observational cohort study.

Results

A total of 250 patients were included [61% male, mean age 66 years (range, 22–81 years)]. Pneumothorax was detected in 70 (28%) of the patients, moderate hemorrhage in 53 (21%) and severe hemorrhage in 2 (1%) of the patients. Hemorrhage was associated with central biopsies, but not with anticoagulant therapy. None of the complications were related to lung function, exercise capacity, biopsy or probe size. Only one patient experienced an acute exacerbation. Three-month mortality was 0.4% (1 patient), caused by cancer and unrelated to the procedure. Cryobiopsies contributed to the final diagnosis in 72% of the patients and after multidisciplinary team discussion, a consensus diagnosis was obtained in 82% of the patients. The gender, the total sum of biopsy sizes, number of biopsies and presence of more than 50% alveolar tissue in biopsies increased the diagnostic yield.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that using cryobiopsies in the diagnostic setup for interstitial lung diseases is safe with a limited risk of acute exacerbations and mortality. Cryobiopsies contribute to the diagnosis in the majority of patients.

Implementation of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in a tertiary referral center for interstitial lung diseases: a cohort study on diagnostic yield, complications, and learning curves

Background

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has been introduced as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) in the diagnostics of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Despite controversy on safety, TBLC is increasingly implemented in ILD centers with an apparent diagnostic yield comparable to SLB. The aim of this study was to assess TBLC implementation experiences from a tertiary Danish ILD center regarding diagnosis, complications, and learning curves for TBLC performance.

Methods

TBLC was prospectively performed in a cohort of patients with unclassifiable ILD based on a preceding multidisciplinary clinical and radiological revision. TBLC was performed as an outpatient procedure with the patients in general anesthesia using a flexible bronchoscope with 1.9 or 2.4 mm cryoprobes. Learning curves for TBLC performance were calculated using cumulated sum (CUSUM) scores for diagnostic yield, pneumothorax, and bleeding.

Results

From February 2017 to March 2020 141 patients (86 (61%) men, median age 69 years [IQR, 60–74 years]) had TBLC performed. A histological and confirmative diagnosis was made in 101 patients (75.2%) and 124 patients (87.9%, i.e. clinical diagnostic yield), respectively, in whom idiopathic interstitial pneumonias constituted the majority (67.3%) of the clinical diagnoses. We observed 2 deaths (1.4%) within 30 days of TBLC, but no procedure-related mortality or severe bleeding. Moderate bleeding occurred in 23 patients (16.3%), pneumothorax in 21 patients (14.9%) with only 14 patients (9.9%) requiring a pleural drain. Based on the CUSUM score analysis, the diagnostic yield obtained was satisfactory throughout the period.

Conclusion

This study reports experiences of outpatient TBLC implementation in a tertiary referral ILD center from the largest investigated TBLC cohort in Scandinavia The diagnostic yield and prevalence of complications obtained by TBLC from this single center study on unclassifiable ILD support outpatient TBLC as a valuable and safe alternative to SLB to diagnose ILD in well-selected patients. The learning curves for TBLC were acceptable in the hands of experienced bronchoscopists.

Diagnostic yield, safety, and impact of transbronchial lung biopsy in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients: a retrospective study

Background

Pulmonary infiltrates of variable etiology are one of the main reasons for hypoxemic respiratory failure leading to invasive mechanical ventilation. If pulmonary infiltrates remain unexplained or progress despite treatment, the histopathological result of a lung biopsy could have significant impact on change in therapy. Surgical lung biopsy is the commonly used technique, but due to its considerable morbidity and mortality, less invasive bronchoscopic transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) may be a valuable alternative.

Methods

Retrospective, monocentric, observational study in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients, subjected to TBLB due to unexplained pulmonary infiltrates in the period January 2014 to July 2019. Patients’ medical records were reviewed to obtain data on baseline clinical characteristics, modality and adverse events (AE) of the TBLB, and impact of the histopathological results on treatment decisions. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of AE and hospital mortality, and survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Forty-two patients with in total 42 TBLB procedures after a median of 12 days of mechanical ventilation were analyzed, of which 16.7% were immunosuppressed, but there was no patient with prior lung transplantation. Diagnostic yield of TBLB was 88.1%, with AE occurring in 11.9% (most common pneumothorax and minor bleeding). 92.9% of the procedures were performed as a forceps biopsy, with organizing pneumonia (OP) as the most common histological diagnosis (54.8%). Variables independently associated with hospital mortality were age (odds ratio 1.070, 95%CI 1.006–1.138; p = 0.031) and the presence of OP (0.182, [0.036–0.926]; p = 0.040), the latter being confirmed in the survival analysis (log-rank p = 0.040). In contrast, a change in therapy based on histopathology alone occurred in 40.5%, and there was no evidence of improved survival in those patients.

Conclusions

Transbronchial lung biopsy remains a valuable alternative to surgical lung biopsy in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. However, the high diagnostic yield must be weighed against potential adverse events and limited consequence of the histopathological result regarding treatment decisions in such patients.

Safety and diagnostic yield of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy by flexible bronchoscopy using laryngeal mask airway in diffuse and localized peripheral lung diseases: A single-center retrospective analysis of 326 cases

Background

Intubation with either an endotracheal tube or a rigid bronchoscope is generally preferred to provide airway protection as well as to manage unpredictable complications during transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). The laryngeal mask airway has been described as a safe and convenient tool for airway control during bronchoscopy.

Aims and Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the safety and outcome of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as a conduit for performing TBLC by flexible video bronchoscopy (FB).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the database of the patients who underwent TBLC between November 2015 and September 2019. The procedure was performed using FB through LMA under general anesthesia. Prophylactic occlusion balloon was routinely used starting January 2017 onwards. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) guidance was used for TBLC in the localized lung lesions when deemed necessary. Multidisciplinary consensus diagnostic yield was determined and periprocedural complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 326 patients were analysed. The overall diagnostic yield was 81.60% (266/326) which included a positive yield of 82.98% (161/194) in patients with diffuse lung disease and 79.54% (105/132) in patients with localized disease. Serious bleeding complication occurred in 3 (0.92%) cases. Pneumothorax was encountered in 8 (2.45%) cases. A total of 9 (2.76%) cases had at least 1 major complication.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the use of LMA during TBLC by flexible bronchoscopy allows for a convenient port of entry, adequate airway support and effective endoscopic management of intrabronchial haemorrhage especially with the use of occlusion balloon.

Transbronchial Cryobiopsy in Interstitial Lung Diseases: State-of-the-Art Review for the Interventional Pulmonologist

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.

Bronchoscopic treatments for early-stage peripheral lung cancer: Are we ready for prime time?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and surgical lobectomy remains the preferred therapy for patients with early-stage NSCLC. Medical comorbidities and advanced age preclude resection in many patients and minimally invasive ablative therapies are needed for treatment. Stereotactic ablative radiation is established as an effective modality in this patient group, although may be contraindicated in some patients with prior radiation exposure, comorbidities or centrally positioned tumours. Percutaneous ablative methods are available, although are frequently associated with significant complications. Numerous endoscopic ablative techniques are under evaluation. With a more favourable safety profile and the ability to provide diagnosis and staging information potentially within a single procedure, there is a strong rationale for development of bronchoscopic ablative modalities. In the following article, the authors aim to explore the role bronchoscopic ablation may play in treatment of peripheral lung tumours, and to describe a pathway to establishing these modalities as part of routine care. The current status of several bronchoscopic ablative options is discussed in detail.