Manifestation of ocular tuberculosis in a north Indian tertiary care centre: Case series

Ocular tuberculosis acts as a challenge throughout the world, and its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment are a topic for debate. The present case series represents retrospective study focusing on the variable clinical presentations, the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of ocular tuberculosis. We report 12 patients of ocular tuberculosis with variable presentations. : Retrospective analysis of records of patients diagnosed with ocular tuberculosis from August 2022 till March 2023 was done. Diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis was based on detailed ocular and systemic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Slit lamp examination, fundus examination, OCT. The patients presenting with features suggestive of ocular tuberculosis were further investigated with complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Monteaux test, Chest X-ray, Cartridge Based Nuclear Amplification Test (CBNAAT) and rheumatological work up. Out of 12 of ocular tuberculosis patients, 4 were diagnosed with active retinal vasculitis, 3with choroiditis, 3 had panuveitis, and remaining 2 patients had unilateral nodular episcleritis. The diagnosis was based on compatible clinical picture, highly positive Tuberculin skin test and dramatic response to anti-tuberculous drugs. All 12 cases were strongly Mantaux test positive (2 developed injection site ulceration). All cases were started on ATT immediately with pulmonologist consultation and showed clinical improvement after 1 month. Ocular tuberculosis can have myriad presentations. Positive Mantaux test plays an important role in supporting diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis.