The role of open-lung biopsy in ARDS

The role of open-lung biopsy in ARDS has been questioned due to potentially high morbidity and low diagnostic yield. The goals of this study were to better define the frequency of unexpected diagnoses made by open-lung biopsy, the frequency biopsy results lead to a change in clinical management, and the frequency of procedural complications.

Case series.

A large tertiary referral center.

All individuals with available records undergoing open-lung biopsy between 1989 and 2000 for evaluation of ARDS based on the American-European Consensus Conference definition.

None.

The mean age in this cohort of 57 patients was 53 years (SD, 18 years) with PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio of 145 mm Hg (SD, 61 mm Hg) at the time of biopsy. A pathologic diagnosis other than diffuse alveolar damage or fibroproliferation was found in 60% of patients. The most common alternative diagnoses were infection (n = 8), alveolar hemorrhage (n = 5), and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (n = 5). Alternative diagnoses were as frequent in immunocompetent as immunosuppressed hosts (60% vs 59%, respectively). Biopsy results led to a change in management in the majority of patients, with addition of specific therapy in 60% and withdrawal of unneeded therapy in 37%. Although the overall complication rate was 39%, major complications occurred in only 7% of cases. No deaths were attributable to the procedure.

In selected patients with clinical ARDS, open-lung biopsy can be performed safely, often reveals an unsuspected diagnosis, and frequently leads to alterations in therapy.