Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging of endobronchial hamartomas

Abstract

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a new technique that can microscopically image the airways in vivo during ordinary flexible bronchoscope procedures. pCLE can visualize the basement membrane of the bronchial epithelium, allowing the study of the different changes in benign or malignant/premalignant bronchial lesions. We present 2 cases of pathology-proven endobronchial hamartoma diagnosed by biopsy which show characteristic images under pCLE examination. The tumor was removed in both cases by rigid bronchoscopy using a diathermy loop and a cryoprobe.