Atelectasis other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sudarshana Datta, MD [2]

Flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of atelectasis. This technique assists in determining the cause of obstruction and removal of mucus plugs. Biopsies taken during fiberoptic bronchoscopy helps in the diagnosis of malignancy and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

• Flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of atelectasis. Indications of use:
  • Determining cause of obstruction: Mucus plugs, tumors, broncholithiasis
  • Removal of mucus plugs
• Drawbacks of flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy include:
  • This technique cannot access distal endobronchial sites within the lung.
• Biopsy
  • Biopsies taken during fiberoptic bronchoscopy helps in the diagnosis of:
    • Malignancy
    • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Template:WH Template:WS