Clinical, Radiological, and Histopathological Profile of Patients with Endobronchial Lesions on Fiber-Optic Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Background: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is very important tool for evaluating the profile of endobronchial lesion. Endobronchial profile provides important clue regarding likely pathology which is of immense help for clinician and pathologist to reach definitive diagnosis. Aim and Objectives: To study the clinical, radiological, and histopathological profile of endobronchial lesions detected during bronchoscopy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary respiratory center. Demographic, clinical, and radiological profile was prepared for all patients above 18 years of age, and relevant blood and radiological investigations were conducted. Patients detected to have endobronchial lesion during fiberoptic bronchoscopy were selected for the study. Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial biopsy, and bronchial brushing were done and sent for examination. Patients were observed postprocedure for any complication. Results: Male patients were more in number (70%) with most of patients above 40 years of age (80%). Most common symptom was cough (48%) with smoking history present in 48% patients. Mass lesion was most common radiological presentation (52%). Right lung was most commonly involved (52%), and upper lobe involvement was most common (50%). Exophytic growth was most common endobronchial lesion (46%) with carcinoma lung most common diagnosis (74%). Hemoptysis was most common complication (80%), which resolved on its own, followed by postprocedure hypoxemia (8%). Conclusion: Clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic profile of endobronchial lesion is an important information which helps clinician and pathologist to reach final diagnosis. Carcinoma lung is most common diagnosis made in our study as most common endobronchial lesions at age of our patients are malignant as reported in literature.