The Kveim test in sarcoidosis

Abstract

The Kveim test with a validated test-suspension was found to give an overall 71-9% positive result. A very high figure was obtained among patients with hilar or paratracheal gland involvement. Despite our enumeration of the difficulties and drawbacks inherent in Kveim testing, we find that this is a valuable test, providing one is aware of the pitfalls. Despite the finding of positive tests in conditions other than sarcoidosis, these are unlikely in practice to present a clinical problem in the differential diagnosis of suspected sarcoidosis. A microscopically positive test, therefore, remains clinically valuable. The test is also of very considerable importance in the clinical research into aetiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.