RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the role of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) in pathologic diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In our hospital during May 2011 and Sep 2011, the TBLB samples from 35 cases occupationally exposed to dusts were compared with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or lobectomy samples from 27 cases not exposed to dusts for pathological indexes, including fibrotic proliferation, nodule or nodule-like, dust deposition and needle-shaped birefringent particles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In group exposed to dusts, there were 6 cases (17.1%) with the moderate dust deposition and 28 cases (80.0%) with fibrotic proliferation. But in group not exposed to dusts, there were 0 case with the moderate dust deposition and 11 cases (40.0%) with fibrotic proliferation. There were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.05). In group exposed to dusts, there were 6 cases (17.1%) with Nodules-like and needle-shaped birefringent particles, but in group not exposed to dusts, there was 0 case with Nodules-like and needle-shaped birefringent particles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TBLB could provide the evidence of pathological changes in lung tissue induced by dusts, and TBLB play an important role in pneumoconiosis diagnosis.</p>