Cytology in Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: Comparison of Bronchial Brushing, Washing and Post-Bronchoscopy Sputum

Abstract

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used to study 103 patients with suspected pulmonary neoplasm. Material for cytologic examination was obtained from bronchial brushing, bronchial washing and post-bronchoscopy sputum. In 87 patients, a definite diagnosis was made. The bronchial brush material was positive in 41 of the 46 patients with carcinoma. Bronchial washing plus post-bronchoscopy sputum examination identified only one additional neoplasm. Of the 17 patients with hemoptysis and a normal chest roentgenogram a diagnosis was achieved in 14, but no carcinomas were found. It may be preferable to repeat the bronchial brushing rather than rely on bronchial washing or post-bronchoscopy sputum when the initial brushing is not diagnostic. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used to study 103 patients with suspected pulmonary neoplasm. Material for cytologic examination was obtained from bronchial brushing, bronchial washing and post-bronchoscopy sputum. In 87 patients, a definite diagnosis was made. The bronchial brush material was positive in 41 of the 46 patients with carcinoma. Bronchial washing plus post-bronchoscopy sputum examination identified only one additional neoplasm. Of the 17 patients with hemoptysis and a normal chest roentgenogram a diagnosis was achieved in 14, but no carcinomas were found. It may be preferable to repeat the bronchial brushing rather than rely on bronchial washing or post-bronchoscopy sputum when the initial brushing is not diagnostic.