Use of pulmonary function tests in the management of sarcoidosis.

The literature on pulmonary function testing in sarcoidosis is critically reviewed. The results indicate that pulmonary function tests are not a reliable means for detecting the presence of parenchymal sarcoidosis, nor do they provide an accurate estimate of the extent of parenchymal disease. There are at present no known pulmonary function criteria that allow the clinician to predict the natural cause of pulmonary sarcoidosis or the response to therapy. The major value of pulmonary function testing is to assess changes in the disease course of the individual patient through sequential measurements. Currently there is no conclusive evidence that measurements of arterial blood gas tensions or pulmonary compliance add significantly to the sensitivity and specificity of the vital capacity and diffusing capacity in the management of sarcoidosis.