Pathologic analysis of transbronchial lung biopsy in workers exposed to dusts

Abstract

To explore the role of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) in pathologic diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. In our hospital during May 2011 and Sep 2011, the TBLB samples from 35 cases occupationally exposed to dusts were compared with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or lobectomy samples from 27 cases not exposed to dusts for pathological indexes, including fibrotic proliferation, nodule or nodule-like, dust deposition and needle-shaped birefringent particles. In group exposed to dusts, there were 6 cases (17.1%) with the moderate dust deposition and 28 cases (80.0%) with fibrotic proliferation. But in group not exposed to dusts, there were 0 case with the moderate dust deposition and 11 cases (40.0%) with fibrotic proliferation. There were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.05). In group exposed to dusts, there were 6 cases (17.1%) with Nodules-like and needle-shaped birefringent particles, but in group not exposed to dusts, there was 0 case with Nodules-like and needle-shaped birefringent particles. TBLB could provide the evidence of pathological changes in lung tissue induced by dusts, and TBLB play an important role in pneumoconiosis diagnosis.