Ocular lesions in acute disseminated tuberculosis

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of ocular involvement in patients with acute disseminated tuberculosis and to assess the findings associated with ocular involvement. Methods: Assessment of all intensive care (ICU) admissions with a differential diagnosis of mycobacterial sepsis during a period of one year, with a detailed systemic and ophthalmic evaluation. Results: Of 342 admissions, 24 patients were suspected to have mycobacterial infection. Of these 24 cases, 10 were proven to have mycobacterial sepsis, six of which (60%) showed evidence of ocular involvement. Five (83%) of the six patients had choroidal tubercles and one (16%) had retinal vasculitis. Detection of the lesions allowed a lead time of 12-72 hours in which to start earlier targeted therapy. Conclusions: Ocular involvement in acute disseminated tuberculosis is often seen, with the most common manifestation being choroidal tubercles. Early detection of these lesions may be important in treatment.

• Tuberculosis
• acute disseminated
• ocular lesions
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis