[Serum angiotensin convertase activity and clinical course of sarcoidosis. Course studies in Löfgren syndrome].

Serial measurements of SACE were performed in 24 patients with Löfgren's syndrome during a period of 32,4 +/- 8,0 months. Initially only 21% (5 patients) had elevated SACE, but the percentage increased during the first weeks of disease reaching 46% (11 patients). After regression SACE activities were in the normal range. In two patients (8%) 18 and 21 months, respectively, after onset of disease pathologically elevated SACE values were measured. Clinically relapses were observed. Our observations demonstrate that serial measurements of SACE are suitable for controlling patients with Löfgren's syndrome, indicating relapses and change to chronic course of sarcoidosis.