THE DIAGNOSTIC YIELD OF TRANSBRONCHIAL LUNG BIOPSY IN DIFFUSE INFILTRATIVE PULMONARY DISEASES BY PLAIN CUP FORCEPS. A STUDY OF 54 CASES IN IRAN

The technique of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) has expanded the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy . In this article we are presenting 54 patients with diffuse pulmonary parenchymal involvement who underwent this procedure during six years between June 1980 and December 1989. The diagnostic yield of this technique in diffuse pulmonary parenchymal disease is great and was 66 percent excluding nonspecific pulmonary fibrosis. Compared with other literature this is a good way of diagnosing interstitial lung disease which obviates the need for transcutaneous lung biopsy and thoracotomy.