Positron Emission-Computed Tomography, Cryobiopsy versus Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Computed Tomography Findings for Interstitial Lung Disease: A Long-Term Follow-Up

Zarogoulidis P, Matthaios D, Huang H, Bai C, Hohenforst-Schmidt W, Porpodis K, Petridis D, Pigakis K, Kougkas N, Oikonomou P, Nikolaou C, Hatzibougias D, Sardeli C (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Medicina Kaunas University of Medicine

Book Volume: 59

Article Number: 787

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040787

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Interstitial lung diseases have always been an issue for pulmonary and rheumatology physicians. Computed tomography scans with a high-resolution protocol and bronchoalveolar lavage have been used along with biochemical blood tests to reach a diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We included 80 patients in total. First, all patients had their diagnosis with computed tomography of the thorax, serological/ immunological blood tests and bronchoalveolar lavage. However; after 3 months, all were divided into 2 groups: those who had bronchoalveolar lavage again and those who had cryobiopsy instead of bronchoalveolar lavage (40/40). Positron emission-computed tomography was also performed upon the first and second diagnosis. The patients’ follow-up was 4 years from diagnosis. Results: Patients suffered most from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (56, 70%), while lung cancer was rarely encountered in the sample (7, 9.75%). Age distribution ranged between 53 and 68 years with a mean value of 60 years. The computed tomography findings revealed 25 patients with typical diagnosis (35.2%), 17 with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (23.9%) and 11 with probable diagnosis (11%). The cryobiopsy technique led to a new diagnosis in 28 patients (35% of the total sample). Patients who had a new diagnosis with cryobiopsy had a mean survival time of 710 days (<1460). Positron emission-computed tomography SUV uptake was positively associated with the cryobiopsy technique/new disease diagnosis and improved all respiratory functions. Discussion: Positron emission-computed tomography is a tool that can be used along with respiratory functions for disease evaluation. Conclusions: Cryobiopsy is a safe tool for patients with interstitial lung disease and can assist in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases. The survival of patients was increased in the cryobiopsy group versus only bronchoalveolar lavage for disease diagnosis.

Involved external institutions

Euromedica Geniki Kliniki of Thessaloniki GR Greece (GR) Changhai Hospital of Shanghai CN China (CN) Aristotle University of Thessaloniki GR Greece (GR) Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (ATEITH) GR Greece (GR) University Hospital of Alexandroupolis GR Greece (GR) Creta InterClinic GR Greece (GR) Sana Kliniken AG DE Germany (DE) General Hospital of Rhodes / Hospital Geniko Nosokomio Rodou "Andreas Papandreou" / Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ρόδου GR Greece (GR) Microdiagnostics GR Greece (GR)

How to cite

APA:

Zarogoulidis, P., Matthaios, D., Huang, H., Bai, C., Hohenforst-Schmidt, W., Porpodis, K.,... Sardeli, C. (2023). Positron Emission-Computed Tomography, Cryobiopsy versus Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Computed Tomography Findings for Interstitial Lung Disease: A Long-Term Follow-Up. Medicina, 59(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59040787

MLA:

Zarogoulidis, Paul, et al. "Positron Emission-Computed Tomography, Cryobiopsy versus Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Computed Tomography Findings for Interstitial Lung Disease: A Long-Term Follow-Up." Medicina 59.4 (2023).

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