To evaluate the clinical findings of ocular tuberculosis (OTB).
Methods
Patients with OTB referred to our department from February 2019 to January 2021 were included in a prospective case series study. Ophthalmic examination and appropriate laboratory investigations were done. Diagnostic tools used included chest X-ray and/or chest computed tomography (CT), Mantoux tuberculin test (MTT) and interferon gamma release test (QuantiFERON-TB test) when available.
Results
Thirty-six eyes of 23 patients were included, 14 were female and 9 were male. The mean age was 47 years old. In the sample, 56.52% of the cases were bilateral, 34.78% unilateral and 8.7% unilateral alternating. Anterior segment examination revealed a conjunctival nodule in 1 eye, mutton fat keratic precipitates in 21 eyes, ocular hypertension in 4 eyes, posterior synechiae in 14 eyes, pupillary seclusion in 1 eye, and Koeppe's nodules in 2 eyes. Intermediate involvement with vitreous condensations (snowballs) was found in 28% of eyes (n=10). There was 52.78% retinal vasculitis (n=19 eyes), 30.56% macular edema n=11),16.67% choroiditis (n=6), 2.78% serpiginous-like choroiditis (n=1), 13.89% vitreous hemorrhage (n=5) and 19.44% choroidal scars (n=7). MTT was positive in 21 cases and negative in 2 cases. QuantiFERON-TB test was performed in 10 patients and was positive in all of them, including the 2 patients with negative MTT.
Conclusion
In our study, OTB was mainly bilateral and retinal vasculitis was the most common posterior ocular sign followed by macular edema.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
MAAMOURI
Initials of first name(s)
RYM
Department
OPHTHALMOLOGY
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
Authors 2
Last name
BELDI
Initials of first name(s)
M
Department
Family medicine department
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
Authors 3
Last name
HOUMAN
Initials of first name(s)
Y
Department
OPHTHALMOLOGY
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
Authors 4
Last name
SOMAI
Initials of first name(s)
M
Department
Internal medicine department
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
Authors 5
Last name
AYDI
Initials of first name(s)
Z
Department
Internal medicine department
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
Authors 6
Last name
CHEOUR
Initials of first name(s)
M
Department
OPHTHALMOLOGY
City
Tunis
Country
Tunisia
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more