[Bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and advanced radiologic changes]

The study material was made up of 20 patients with stage I pulmonary sarcoidosis in different state of activity. BAL was carried out through a bronchofiberscope using four aliquots 50 ml each, immediately aspirated after introduction into siliconized vials. BAL induced side effects were not seen. The returned fluid was centrifuged and the cell differential count was carried out. 11 patients (55%) demonstrated a high lymphocytic count. The degree of lymphocytosis did not correlate with abnormalities in respiratory function. The degree of lymphocytosis did slightly correlate with disease activity. Thus serial BAL studies might be useful in therapy monitoring. The high lymphocytosis should be carefully interpreted and can not be the only indication for instituting steroid therapy.