Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy under real-time radial EBUS: First report on a novel twist of the classical technique.

Abstract

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a relatively new technique for obtaining lung biopsies, known for being the least invasive method while offering a high diagnostic yield, a favourable safety profile, and a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay length compared to surgical lung biopsy. Radial-EBUS (r-EBUS) represent a cornerstone modality for accessing 'invisible' peripheral pulmonary lesions. However, a major drawback of these techniques is the lack of 'real-time' visualization of the biopsy being obtained. In this case report, we present a young woman who was referred to us with a cough, haemoptysis, and a non-resolving lung consolidation. She underwent TBLC under real-time rEBUS guidance. This clinical case demonstrates that, in specific clinical scenarios, TBLC with real-time rEBUS is an excellent diagnostic tool.