Diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage: technic and significance in pneumology

Abstract

SummaryAuthors report on their experience with bronchoalveolar lavage in 207 patients with various pulmonary diseases. They confirm an increased number of lymphocytes and high protein concentrations in the lavage fluid of many patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Smoking tends to dampen the lymphocytic alveolar reaction associated with active sarcoidosis. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity (SACE) is often increased in sarcoid patients whereas it remains within normal limits in subjects with hyper sensitivity pneumonitis. Parallel measurement of lymphocytosis in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and of SACE may help to differentiate both diseases. Evidence will be also presented that bronchoalveolar lavage can be easily and safely used for the diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis, alveolar proteinosis and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.