A Case of Tuberculosis of Lid

ABSTRACT

Infection of the lids by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis is uncommon. It usually arises by local extension from the skin adjacent to the lid, but it occasionally arises from the conjunctiva or hematogenous spread. Primary infection of the eyelid by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very rare. The lid lesion shows brownish red papule that develops into an indurated nodule or plaque; it is occasionally associated with skin ulceration and regional lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is established through specific histopathologic findings, tuberculin skin testing, and the stain and culture of acid-fast bacilli. It is also done indirectedly through the response to anti-tuberculosis medications. The regimen for treatment of tuberculosis is isoniazid and rifampin taken daily for 6 months. The authors experienced a case of tuberculosis of the lid which occurred in a 4 year-old female whose skin of the upper and lower eyelids showed brownish red nodules and which was treated with anti-tuberculosis medications.