Evaluation of Bronchial washings vs Bronchial biopsy in diagnosing lung disorders- A clinical study at Konaseema area of Andhra Pradesh in 2018-19

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with bronchopulmonary disorders generally present with cardinal respiratory symptoms, an abnormality on a chest X-ray, or both clinical and radiological findings often lead to diagnostic possibilities. Physical examination, pulmonary function tests, other imaging studies, and bronchoscopic examination are done to refine thedifferential diagnosis.The diagnostic methods available for evaluating the patient with the suspected or known bronchopulmonary disease and involve direct visualization of part of the tracheobronchial tree.Flexible type is the most common type of bronchoscopy, visualizes the trachea, proximal airways, and segmental airways out to the third generation of branching and bronchial collections. This study aimed at interpretation of bronchial washings ‘obtained from the lungs in various bronchopulmonary disorders and correlation with bronchoscopic biopsy. Objectives: In many bronchopulmonary disorders, diagnosis is not possible despite consideration of the clinico-radiological results, it is often necessary to obtain cells and tissue for cytologic and pathologic examination for definitive diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We did routine FOB and obtained bronchial washings and bronchial biopsy to know which is more useful in clinching diagnosis. Results: No significant correlation has been observed between BAL and bronchoscopic biopsy results. Conclusions: Bronchoalveolar lavage is a useful diagnostic tool in diagnosing bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis lesions, fungal infections, and malignancies. Keywords: Bronchial washings, BAL, Bronchial biopsy.