A Case of Presumed Tuberculosis Uveitis with Occlusive Vasculitis from an Endemic Region

Abstract

In this report, we present a case with presumed unilateral tuberculosis uveitis from an endemic region. A 23-year-old male presented with decreased vision in his left eye for 15 days. Visual acuities were 1.0 in his right eye and 0.3 in his left eye. Ophthalmologic examination was normal for the right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed 2+ cells in the vitreous without anterior chamber reaction in his left eye. Fundus examination revealed occlusive vasculitis and granuloma. His history revealed that he had a respiratory infection with fever 3 months ago while visiting his native country, Rwanda, and was treated with non-specific antibiotic therapy. His visual symptom started 2 weeks after his systemic symptoms resolved. Laboratory findings included 15 mm induration in purified protein derivative tuberculin skin test, HIV negativity, and parenchymal lesions in chest X-ray. Bronchoalveolar lavage was negative for acid-fast bacillus. A pulmonary disease consultant reported presumed tuberculosis because of the patient’s history. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated. The patient’s visual acuity improved rapidly and his signs regressed. A careful history should be taken from patients with uveitis. Travel to tuberculosis-endemic areas may be important for diagnosis and should be asked about directly.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• uveitis
• endemic area