ERS international Congress 2023: Highlights from the Clinical Techniques, Imaging and Endoscopy Assembly

Abstract

The Clinical Techniques, Imaging and Endoscopy Assembly is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of several pulmonary disease as demonstrated at the 2023 ERS International Congress in Milan (figure 1).From interventional pulmonology, the congress included several exciting results for the use of bronchoscopy in lung cancer including augmented fluoroscopy, robotic assisted bronchoscopy and cryobiopsies. In obstructive lung disease bronchoscopic treatment of emphysema with hyperinflation and chronic bronchitis were presented with the latest results. Research on use of cryobiopsies for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease was further explored, aiming to elevate diagnostic yield and minimize risk.For imaging the latest updates in artificial intelligence is of great interest as a way to overcome the increased work-load for the radiologist. Novel imaging in sarcoidosis explored the use of MRI, photon counting CT and PET-CT in the diagnostic work-up. Lung cancer screening is still a hot topic and new results regarding incorporation of biomarkers, identifying knowledge gaps and improving the screening programs were presented.The use of ultrasound in respiratory medicine is an expanding field demonstrated by the large variety in studies presented at this year's congress. Ultrasound of the diaphragm in patients with ALS and myasthenia gravis was used to assess movements and predict respiratory fatigueness. Furthermore studies using ultrasound to diagnosis or monitor pulmonary disease were presented. The congress also included studies regarding the training and assessment of competencies as an important part of implementing ultrasound in clinical practice.