endobronchial biopsy

endobronchial biopsy

Pulmonology A Bx obtained via an endoscope passed through the nose or mouth, to visualize the upper airway mucosa–oropharynx, trachea, bronchi, upper bronchioles, identify physical changes or lesions and obtain tissue; if a lesion is identified, an instrument–eg, alligator forceps, cup forceps, curette, is passed through the endoscope's central channel to obtain tissue Purpose Diagnose tumors, pulmonary fibrosis, infection–eg PCP, TB, inflammation–eg, sarcoidosis Complications Bleeding, bronchospasm. Cf Transbronchial–bronchoscopic biopsy.