Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The pulmonary function test (PFT) is an important quantification test in the follow-up of sarcoidosis patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of lymphadenopathy (LAP) after controlling pulmonary parenchymal involvement on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in the context of sarcoidosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 sarcoidosis patients were enrolled retrospectively in the study. Respiratory functions were evaluated via PFTs. Radiological evaluations of the patients were made with chest x-ray and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT). Bronchoscopic investigations were performed on all patients. Possible factors that affect PFTs were evaluated.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between the bronchoscopic findings and PFTs parameters (p<0.01). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was affected more in the presence of LAP in the adjacent bronchi and, it was similar the same for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). Considering the grade of HRCT findings, the presence of hilar LAP, intrahilar LAP and lobar LAP had a statistically significant effect on FVC and FEV1 (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION: We revealed that in addition to parenchymal involvement of the disease, the special localization of lymph node involvement also has an important effect on the PFTs parameters of sarcoidosis patients.