Bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis of pneumonia in the immunocompromised child.

Seven children with immunocompromised states were referred to the pediatric bronchoscopy service for evaluation of pneumonia. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy accompanied with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in all seven of these children. A definitive diagnosis was made for six of these seven patients. The diagnosis included Pneumocystis carinii in three, Candida albicans in two, and cytomegalovirus in one. There were no complications associated with the procedure. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage should be considered early in the evaluation of the immunocompromised child with pneumonia.