Surgically induced scleral necrosis associated with concomitant tuberculosis infection: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Objective: Surgically induced scleral necrosis (SISN) is a potentially blinding sequela that may occur after any ocular procedure. SISN in the context of active tuberculosis is seldom seen. We report a case of a patient with asymptomatic tuberculosis who developed SISN after pterygium surgery.Methods: A 76-year-old Mexican-mestizo woman from Veracruz, Mexico, was referred to our clinic because of severe disabling pain and scleral thinning in her right eye.Results: Tubercular-related SISN was finally diagnosed and managed successfully with antitubercular therapy, topical and systemic corticosteroidsConclusion: Tuberculosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of high-risk patients in the context of refractory SISN in endemic countries.

Keywords

• antitubercular therapy
• infectious scleritis
• necrotizing scleritis
• ocular tuberculosis
• pterygium surgery
• scleral inflammation
• surgically induced scleral necrosis