Role of Bronchoscopy and Lung Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Timely and accurate diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is of utmost importance, especially in immunocompromised patients. Bronchoscopy is frequently performed in patients with suspected pulmonary aspergillosis. Airway findings can be suggestive of the diagnosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy can confirm the diagnosis when properly tested. Methods include direct microscopic examination, culture, antigen detection, and molecular tests. In this chapter, we review these diagnostic tests, their application on bronchoscopic specimens, their diagnostic yield, advantages, and limitations.