Silent occlusive retinal vasculitis in a patient with pulmonary Tuberculosis

Authors

  • Nadia Yaacob Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Maizan Yaakub Department of ophthalmology, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
  • Zuraidah Mustari Department of ophthalmology, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
  • Adil Hussein Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia

Keywords:

ocular tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, retinal vasculitis

Abstract

The presence of retinal vasculitis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis is not uncommon. However, asymptomatic presentations are quite rare. Here, we present a case of 25-year-old Malay gentleman with pulmonary tuberculosis, who was referred for an eye assessment following initiation of anti-tuberculosis drugs. His vision was good; he had no other symptoms despite having retinal neovascularization, pre-retinal haemorrhages and healed choroiditis at the fundus of the left eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of capillary fallouts at the superotemporal quadrant of the left eye with leakage from the retinal neovascularization. He was treated with laser retinal photocoagulation and oral steroids for 6 weeks, while the anti-tuberculosis drugs were continued for 9 months. Subsequent follow-ups showed regression of the neovascularization. He has remained asymptomatic since his initial visit to the eye clinic.

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Published

2018-06-08

Issue

Section

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences