Joint Committee on Aviation Pathology: XII. Sarcoidosis: a review of some features of importance in aviation medicine.

Sarcoidosis is defined in terms of its histology and natural history. Emphasis is placed upon its insidious nature and potentially pronounced pathophysiological effects. The use of lung function studies as an index of disability in the three described phases is discussed. Though we have only found the disease coincidentally in aircraft accidents, stress is placed upon the need for careful monitoring of affected aircrew and the necessity for respiratory function tests.