What is a common laboratory finding in sarcoidosis?

In sarcoidosis, hypercalcemia is a common laboratory finding due to the increased production of calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) by activated macrophages within the granulomas that characterize this condition. This increased vitamin D synthesis can lead to higher levels of calcium in the blood, resulting in hypercalcemia. Patients with sarcoidosis may also exhibit hypercalciuria (increased calcium in urine), as the kidneys attempt to excrete the excess calcium.

Other options presented do not align with typical findings in sarcoidosis. For example, decreased ACE levels are not characteristic of the disease; in fact, elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels are often found in patients with active sarcoidosis. High elastic recoil and increased FEV1 are indicative of normal or obstructive lung function rather than the restrictive pattern usually seen in sarcoidosis, which typically leads to reduced lung volumes and negatively affects FEV1/FVC ratios. Therefore, hypercalcemia stands out as a key laboratory finding in the context of sarcoidosis.