Comparison of Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy and Scalene Lymph Node Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Summary

The diagnostic accuracy achieved by taking bronchial mucosal and lung biopsies through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes was compared with scalene lymph node biopsy in 55 patients with sarcoidosis. The diagnostic yield with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was 62 per cent in the whole material and increased to 76 per cent in patients with stage II sarcoidosis. Scalene lymph node biopsy was positive in 80 per cent.

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscpy is a useful method for obtaining biopsy material in sarcoidosis, especially in stage II sarcoidosis. We consider flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy and scalene lymph node biopsy the methods of choice in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Key words:

Sarcoidosis - Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy - Bronchial mucosal biopsy - Transbronchial lung biopsy - Scalene lymph node biopsy