Value of serial measurement of serum angiotensin converting enzyme in the management of sarcoidosis.

Serial serum samples from 35 patients with histologically proved sarcoidosis were measured for angiotensin converting enzyme activity. The serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) activity was compared with the clinical activity of sarcoidosis. In both the treated and untreated group, the SACE activity closely paralleled the clinical status. There was agreement between SACE index and clinical index in 81 of 101 paired observations. It appears that SACE activity is a good reflection of granulomatous activity in sarcoidosis. Once the decision has been made to treat sarcoidosis, serial SACE determinations are helpful in monitoring the dose and duration of therapy with corticosteroids.