Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (699 page)

ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE, KINASE II)

   Definition

   ACE production occurs mainly in the epithelial cells of the pulmonary bed. Smaller amounts are found in blood vessels and renal tissue, where ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II; this conversion helps regulate arterial blood pressure. Angiotensin II stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce aldosterone. Aldosterone helps the kidneys maintains water balance by retaining sodium and promoting the excretion of potassium.

   
Normal range:
8–53 U/L.

   Use

   Evaluation of patients with suspected sarcoidosis

   Evaluate the severity and activity of sarcoidosis

   Evaluation of hypertension

   Evaluation of Gaucher disease

   Interpretation

Increased In

   Active pulmonary sarcoidosis (50–75% of patients but only 11% with inactive disease)

   Gaucher disease (100%)

   DM (>24%)

   Hyperthyroidism (81%)