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

Background: Transbronchial 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.

Objectives: The 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).

Methods: pCLE images from 17 ILD patients were obtained during TBLB. These images were then compared with histology results to assess the correspondence rate.

Results: pCLE 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).

Conclusion: pCLE may reduce complications and increase the diagnostic yield. It is a potential guidance tool for cryobiopsy in the patients with ILD without fluoroscopy.