[Pathological diagnosis of interstitial lung disease by small biopsy]

The pathological diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is challenging, especially with the increasing application and popularization of small biopsy techniques, particularly transbronchial cryobiopsy. As a result, the clinical demand for pathologists to handle small biopsy specimens of ILD in daily practice has been growing. Given the small size of these biopsy specimens and the insufficient diagnostic experience of pathologists in this area, the current pathological diagnosis is struggling to meet clinical needs. Based on our hospital's practical experience in diagnosing ILD from small biopsies, this article summarizes the key steps from initial learning actual to diagnostic procedures, aiming to lower the diagnostic threshold and improve the confirmation rate.