Pulmonary function testing and sarcoidosis: A review

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that can affect any organ. Identification of sarcoidosis patients is key to improving their outcomes and reducing health care costs. Unfortunately, diagnosis can be complex and require significant testing. Pulmonary function testing (PFT), along with chest imaging, is often the initial testing obtained by the respiratory physician in evaluation of the patient with dyspnea and is often used to monitor response to therapy. PFTs are one of many potentially useful tools when following patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The goal of this review is to discuss the patterns and pitfalls of PFT interpretation in patients with sarcoidosis.