Uveal tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT

Ocular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of panophthalmitis, uveitis, and intraocular neoplasms. We have presented 6 cases illustrating some of the clinical and pathological characteristics of two types of ocular involvement, acute tuberculous panophthalmitis and ciliary body tuberculoma. The former should be entertained when panophthalmitis or uveitis occur in debilitated patients with obvious systemic tuberculosis foci. Ciliary body tuberculoma should be suspected in relatively healthy individuals with a history of tuberculosis and an intraocular mass. The diagnosis is confirmed by positive cultures or the identification of the organism by acid-fast stains. Typical histopathology in the appropriate clinical setting is sufficient to start specific antituberculous therapy, which should be used in all cases.