| Abstrakt: |
Pulmonary infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Noninvasive diagnostic methods (history, exam, x-rays, routine cultures, etc.) usually cannot provide specific and timely diagnostic information. The decision between bronchoscopy and open lung biopsy is difficult and requires knowledge of expected yields versus risks of the procedures. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and/or biopsy can be very useful diagnostically, particularly in patients with AIDS. In patients with rapidly progressive disease, especially immunocompromised patients, open lung biopsy is often the most prudent choice. |
