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Lung biopsy in children: when is it useful?

Abstract

Aim To provide a further insight into the usefulness of lung biopsy in children.

Methods Lung biopsies in children from January 2007 to December 2017 were reviewed (n=39). The histology results were categorised as: definitive diagnosis, normal lung parenchyma, inconclusive.

Results Lung biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis in 25 (64%) cases. A suspected diagnosis was confirmed in 16 (41%) and a new diagnosis was found in 9 (23%) children. Histology was inconclusive in 11 (28%) cases and normal in 3 (8%). Fifteen (38%) children had treatment altered due to the biopsy result.

Conclusion Lung biopsy mostly confirmed the suspected diagnosis and was associated with a low procedure related morbidity (n=1) and mortality (n=0). Importantly, the biopsy result identified a pathology which altered treatment in over one third of patients. However, in a number of cases the histology was inconclusive, therefore careful patient selection is recommended to maximise diagnostic yield.

  • lung biopsy
  • thoracoscopic
  • paediatric
  • paediatric surgery

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