[HTML][HTML] Bronchoalveolar lavage in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: what does it tell us?

A Pesci, E Ricchiuti, R Ruggiero, A De Micheli - Respiratory medicine, 2010 - Elsevier
A Pesci, E Ricchiuti, R Ruggiero, A De Micheli
Respiratory medicine, 2010Elsevier
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has only a limited role in diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis (IPF). A finding of raised neutrophils (> 5%) and eosinophils (> 2%) is characteristic
but not diagnostic of IPF. BAL cell count does not clearly differentiate between fibrotic non-
specific interstitial pneumonia and IPF either diagnostically or prognostically. BAL in IPF
should be considered in all patients with suspected infection, malignancy or acute
exacerbations. In such cases, it may be diagnostic. Because of few and conflicting results …
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has only a limited role in diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A finding of raised neutrophils (>5%) and eosinophils (>2%) is characteristic but not diagnostic of IPF. BAL cell count does not clearly differentiate between fibrotic non-specific interstitial pneumonia and IPF either diagnostically or prognostically. BAL in IPF should be considered in all patients with suspected infection, malignancy or acute exacerbations. In such cases, it may be diagnostic. Because of few and conflicting results BAL fluid analysis has very little clinical relevance determining prognosis and response to treatment in IPF.
Elsevier