Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) in the Diagnosis of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases: Two Cases

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) has been used in bronchology since 2005. It is a promising method, especially in the diagnosis of parenchymal lung diseases, peripheral nodules, and post-lung transplantation rejection. Optical biopsy samples from pCLE have been previously published and discussed in the diagnosis of some parenchymal diseases. The present article discussed the optical biopsy imaging of a case with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and a case with early pulmonary fibrosis, which were obtained via pCLE. These are the first two cases in which this method has been used.