[Lung biopsy in interstitial pulmonary processes].

The techniques for lung biopsy are briefly described. In diffuse interstitial lung disease only open lung biopsy provides sufficient material for histological examination. In view of the severity of this diagnostic intervention the indication must be established restrictively: before biopsy it is essential to rule out all systemic diseases which may also produce interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, open lung biopsy should be considered only if a therapeutic prospect exists.