Diagnostic open lung biopsy for diffuse pulmonary disease in immunocompromised pediatric patients

Diagnostic open lung biopsy was performed in 40 pediatric patients with diffuse pulmonary disease and underlying malignancy or immunosuppression. Specific diagnoses on which therapy could be based were made in 32 patients and there was only one false-negative result. Pneumocystis carinii was diagnosed antemortem in 28 patients. Complications of surgery occurred in six patients (15%), but no patients died as a result of the procedure. Open lung biopsy appears to be a safe and effective diagnostic procedure in immunocompromised pediatric patients with diffuse pulmonary disease of uncertain etiology.