The method of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in the diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
The diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) remains one of the most challenging issues in pulmonology. The article demonstrates the capabilities of the method of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in diagnosing various forms of IIPs and provides comparisons with CT and the histological picture. According to the data obtained, it is difficult to distinguish most IIPs from each other using pCLE. Among the specific signs, a large number of alveolar cells in pCLE in a nonsmoking patient with desquamative interstitial pneumonia is not typical for other IIP in nonsmokers. Also, pCLE can be used to differentiate between IIP and other conditions, in particular, malignant lesions.