Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new effective method for diagnosing interstitial lung diseases, which are a group of disorders causing scarring of the lungs. The method begins with a general overview of the lung tissue using a scanning microscope, and then dives into a more detailed analysis.

The paper is structured around various lung tissue patterns defined by a researcher named Leslie, which include signs of acute injury, fibrosis (scarring), cellular infiltrates (unusual cells present), airspace filling (fluid or other substances in the lung airspaces), formation of nodules (small lumps), and minimal changes.

The paper provides images of these patterns and discusses the different diseases that can cause them. The goal of this method is to make the diagnosis process of these lung diseases more structured and standardized.

FAQs

  1. What is the standardized method of evaluation for the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases?
  2. What are the histologic patterns defined by Leslie that are used in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases?
  3. What are the disease entities that manifest the histologic patterns defined by Leslie in interstitial lung diseases?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to follow these tips for a successful procedure:

  1. Follow all pre-biopsy instructions given by your healthcare provider, such as fasting before the procedure.
  2. Be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, as some may need to be adjusted before the biopsy.
  3. Arrive at the appointment on time and be prepared for the procedure by wearing comfortable clothing.
  4. After the biopsy, follow your doctor’s post-procedure care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential complications.
  5. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or voice any concerns you may have about the procedure. Your doctor is there to help and support you throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with interstitial lung diseases, suspected lung cancer, suspected infections, and those with unexplained pulmonary nodules or masses. Additionally, patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, or sarcoidosis may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to help with diagnosis and treatment planning.

Timeline

Before lung biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and fatigue.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to identify abnormalities in the lungs.
  3. Patient may undergo pulmonary function tests to assess lung function.
  4. If imaging tests show abnormalities, a lung biopsy may be recommended to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.

After lung biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes the lung biopsy procedure, which can be done through bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy.
  2. Tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
  3. Pathologist examines the tissue sample under a microscope to identify any abnormal histologic patterns such as acute injury, fibrosis, cellular infiltrates, etc.
  4. Based on the histologic patterns identified, a diagnosis of the underlying lung disease is made.
  5. Treatment plan is determined based on the diagnosis, which may include medications, oxygen therapy, or other interventions.
  6. Patient may undergo follow-up tests to monitor their condition and response to treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of lung biopsy will be performed (e.g. bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, surgical biopsy)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the lung biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy results be interpreted and what specific information will they provide about my condition?
  4. How soon can I expect to receive the results of the lung biopsy?
  5. What treatment options will be available depending on the results of the lung biopsy?
  6. Will I need to make any special preparations before the lung biopsy procedure?
  7. How long will it take to recover from the lung biopsy and when can I expect to resume normal activities?
  8. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions I should follow after the lung biopsy procedure?
  9. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch out for after the lung biopsy that may indicate a complication?
  10. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could provide similar information to a lung biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Mlika M, Braham E, Mezni F. Journal: Semin Diagn Pathol. 2018 Sep;35(5):288-296. doi: 10.1053/j.semdp.2018.08.001. Epub 2018 Aug 13. PMID: 30219281