Fibered Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging in Patients With Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases

During bronchoscopy, one side of the bronchial tree will be examined (either right or left) and targeted based on pre-procedure HRCT/CT scan findings. A 1.4mm diameter Alveoflex Confocal MiniprobeTM (MaunaKea Technologies, France) will be deployed down the working channel of the standard bronchoscope and advanced distally into the alveoli. Images are acquired by gentle contact providing real-time imaging and microstructural detail of the alveolus which will be continuously recorded during the procedure and stored for further morphometric and cellular analyses. Up to 10 bronchoalveolar areas will be observed and the location of the corresponding lung segment will be registered according to the international bronchial nomenclature.