[Open lung biopsy in diagnosis of interstitial lung disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of open lung biopsy in diagnosis of interstitial lung disease.

METHODS: 24 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent open lung biopsy from 1993 to June 1998 were reviewed.

RESULTS: The documented pathologic diagnosis in 24 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent open lung biopsies were: 7 IPF (UIP), 1 acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP), 3 BOOP, 2 DPB, 3 sarcoidosis, 2 tuberculosis, 1 histiocytosis-X and 1 lung cancer. Most of these patients did not definitely diagnosed through their clinical evaluation including history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests and TBLB.

CONCLUSIONS: Open lung biopsy, is a useful method, as it is sensitive and specific in diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. It is helpful in defining the site and extent of interstitial lung disease and diagnosing rare and atypical interstitial lung disease.