Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025
Bronchoalveolar Lavage of Murine Lungs to Analyze Inflammatory Cell Infiltration
Published on: May 4, 2017
Cytomorphological patterns in bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary diseases
Smriti Sharan1, Niti Sureka1, Charanjeet Ahluwalia1
1Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is a valuable tool for diagnosing lung diseases, identifying infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. Analysis of cellular patterns in BAL fluid aids in definitive diagnosis, especially when combined with clinical and radiological data.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cytopathology
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is a key diagnostic method for respiratory tract lesions.
- Cellular pattern analysis in BAL cytology offers insights into infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic lung diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
- To investigate diverse cellular patterns in BAL cytology across various pulmonary diseases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 182 BAL cytology samples.
- Samples collected between January 2022 and July 2023.
Main Results:
- Neutrophilic (20%) and lymphocytic (33.5%) patterns were most common.
- Specific etiologies identified included granulomatous inflammation (4.3%) and fungal hyphae (1.6%).
- Malignant cells, primarily adenocarcinoma, were found in 8.2% of cases.
Conclusions:
- BAL cytology is crucial for diagnosing lung diseases like tuberculosis, fungal infections, and neoplasms.
- Integrating BAL cytology with clinical and radiological data enhances diagnostic accuracy and may prevent invasive procedures.
Background:
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is a well-established diagnostic tool for respiratory tract lesions. The analysis of cellular patterns in BAL cytology provides useful information about infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic lung diseases. This study aimed to analyze bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to investigate various cellular patterns in BAL cytology in different pulmonary diseases.
Material And Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology and included BAL cytology samples from 182 patients between January 2022 and July 2023.
Results:
Of the 182 cases, 116 (63.7%) were male and 66 (36.3%) were female. Thirty-seven (20%) cases showed a predominantly neutrophilic cellular pattern, while 61 (33.5%) showed a lymphocytic pattern. Two (1%) cases showed a mixed cellular pattern, including eosinophils. In 32 (17.5%) cases, patterns indicating specific aetiology were identified, the most common being AFB-positive granulomatous inflammation (4.3%), followed by fungal hyphae (1.6%). Malignant cells were seen in 15 (8.2%) cases, with the most common pattern being cells arranged in an acinar pattern, indicative of adenocarcinoma. A rare case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis was diagnosed based on the presence of PAS-positive extracellular granular to globular material in cytology.
Conclusion:
In the era of minimally invasive procedures, BAL cytology analysis stands out as a valuable tool for diagnosing various lung diseases. It aids in the diagnostic workup for many diseases, including those of tubercular, fungal, and neoplastic aetiology. Combining clinical details, radiological information, and BAL cytology can help provide a definitive diagnosis and avoid invasive procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History