The Level of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme as Indicator of 2-Year Prognosis in Untreated Pulmonary Sarcoidosis without Erythema Nodosum

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Abstract
To evaluate the prognostic significance of elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) in pulmonary sarcoidosis, the 2-yr prognosis was studied in 33 untreated patients without erythema nodosum. Elevated SACE was found in 19 patients, among whom total regression or improvement was noted in 42%, vs. 86% in 14 patients with normal SACE in serial measurements. The groups with and without elevated enzyme levels were not different with respect to sex, age, pulmonary changes or extrathoracic manifestations. Elevated SACE in this category of sarcoidosis patients may have some prognostic significance, pointing toward a greater risk of a chronic course.