Summary
The diagnostic accuracy achieved by taking bronchial mucosal and lung biopsies through
flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes was compared with scalene lymph node biopsy in 55
patients with sarcoidosis. The diagnostic yield with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy
was 62 per cent in the whole material and increased to 76 per cent in patients with
stage II sarcoidosis. Scalene lymph node biopsy was positive in 80 per cent.
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscpy is a useful method for obtaining biopsy material in
sarcoidosis, especially in stage II sarcoidosis. We consider flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy
and scalene lymph node biopsy the methods of choice in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Key words:
Sarcoidosis - Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy - Bronchial mucosal biopsy - Transbronchial
lung biopsy - Scalene lymph node biopsy
