Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Also known as Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, SACE

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You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.

Understanding Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

What is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme?

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test measures the levels of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood. It helps diagnose and monitor granulomatous diseases like sarcoidosis, where abnormal clusters (small masses) of inflammatory cells are formed in various organs.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme produced primarily by the liver and kidneys and a few other organs helps maintain the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS) which is important for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. ACE helps in converting inactive angiotensin I enzyme to active angiotensin II enzyme (a potent vasoconstrictor).

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test is recommended when there is suspicion of sarcoidosis, a condition characterized by the growth of a tiny collection of inflammatory cells in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. It also helps monitor treatment response in individuals diagnosed with sarcoidosis. In certain cases, the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test can help in differentiating between sarcoidosis and other conditions with similar symptoms, such as tuberculosis or lymphoma.

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test is not intended to be used as a standalone test and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods for accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring. Additionally, ACE levels can vary based on factors such as age, genetic background etc., and these can potentially affect the test results. Therefore, the results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and relevant diagnostic tests.

Elevated levels of ACE are found in individuals with active sarcoidosis, although moderately increased levels are seen in a variety of diseases and disorders, such as HIV, histoplasmosis, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, alcoholic cirrhosis, Gaucher disease, tuberculosis, leprosy etc. Decreased ACE levels are seen in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung diseases such as emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis etc., starvation, steroid drug therapy, hypothyroidism.

Generally, overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory for this test. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these can potentially affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these test results and always consult your doctor for proper understanding of the test results. The insights from the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test will help doctors prescribe targeted treatments.

What is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme used for?

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test is done:

To diagnose and monitor Sarcoidosis.
To help differentiate between sarcoidosis and other conditions with similar symptoms.
To identify other granulomatous diseases that may cause elevated ACE levels such as tuberculosis etc.
To assess conditions where granuloma formation is suspected.

What does Angiotensin Converting Enzyme measure?

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test measures the level of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in the blood. ACE is an enzyme primarily produced by the lungs and kidneys that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Elevated levels of ACE in the blood may indicate granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis, where clusters of inflammatory cells form in various organs. This test helps diagnose sarcoidosis and monitor its progression or treatment response. Additionally, it can help identify other conditions that cause granuloma formation, such as tuberculosis etc.

Interpreting Angiotensin Converting Enzyme results

Interpretations

An increased ACE level in a person with clinical findings suggestive of sarcoidosis means that it is likely that a person has an active case of sarcoidosis, if other diseases have been ruled out. The finding of a high ACE level helps to confirm the diagnosis
A normal ACE level cannot be sued to rule out sarcoidosis since sarcoidosis may be present without an elevated ACE level
It may also be used to monitor the course of treatment in sarcoidosis. An initial high level which decreases over time usually indicates spontaneous or therapy induced remission and a favorable prognosis. On the other hand, a rising ACE level may indicate either the disease is not responding or it is progressing

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Frequently Asked Questions about Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Q. What is the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test?

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test measures the level of Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood. It is primarily used to diagnose and monitor sarcoidosis, a condition where small masses of inflammatory cells are formed in various organs, typically the lungs and lymph nodes.

Q. Is fasting required before the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test?

Yes, an overnight fasting is preferred for this test, however it is not mandatory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test?

No, there is no risk associated with the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test. It is a safe procedure. It generally involves a blood sample withdrawal from the vein of the arm. However, some individuals may experience bruising or swelling at the needle prick site, which is usually self-limiting and not bothersome.

Q. What does abnormal test result mean?

Abnormal Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test results, specifically elevated levels, can indicate active sarcoidosis, where inflammatory cell clusters are present in various organs. High ACE levels can also suggest other conditions involving inflammation or granuloma formation, such as HIV, histoplasmosis, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, alcoholic cirrhosis, Gaucher disease, tuberculosis, leprosy.