Tuberculosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Tuberculosis, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, pulmonary, mycobacterium.

Macular edema as the only ocular finding of tuberculosis.

Torres RM, Calonge M

Ocular Immunology Unit, Instituto Universitario Oftalmobiología Aplicada, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.

PURPOSE: To describe an infrequent presentation of ocular tuberculosis. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case report. METHODS: A 61-year-old woman presented with decreased vision in her right eye and cystoid macular edema resistant to periocular corticosteroid treatment. There were no other findings. RESULTS: Diagnosis of probable underlying tuberculosis uveitis with macular edema as the only ocular manifestation was established based on a clinical history of possible tuberculosis during her infancy. Additionally, there were residual findings in the patient's chest x-ray, a positive Mantoux reaction, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. Specific treatment was implemented for nine months. Cystoid macular edema resolved completely, visual acuity improved (20/20), and no remission occurred during two years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of idiopathic cystoid macular edema, tuberculosis should be considered as a potential cause. When treated, both are curable.

Published 4 January 2005 in Am J Ophthalmol, 138(6): 1048-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Tuberculosis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.