Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in diagnosis of desquamative interstitial pneumonia in nonsmoker

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2019 Sep 10;89(3). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2019.1052.

Abstract

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia is a rare disease that is predominantly associated with smoking. Surgical biopsy is usually recommended for the diagnosis of this disorder. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a new method of minimally invasive in vivo microscopic image of airways and alveoli. We use this method for desquamative interstitial pneumonia in nonsmoker. The pCLE image shows thickened intra-alveolar septae and clusters of autofluorescent cells within the alveoli, which is unusual for non-smoking patients. We think this pattern can be used for differential diagnosis of desquamative interstitial pneumonia in nonsmokers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intravital Microscopy* / methods
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-Smokers