Optical coherence tomography biomarkers and visual functions in tuberculous meningitis: an observational study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and visual function in Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) patients during a short-term follow-up period. A prospective case-control observational study was performed at a Medical University from August 2020 to July 2021.

METHOD: A study was conducted at a medical institute in Northern India, including 52 patients with TBM who presented within one month of systemic symptoms. Optical Coherence Tomography parameters, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central sub-foveal thickness (CST), cube average thickness (CAT), and visual function were evaluated at the time of presentation and after one month of follow-up period.

RESULTS

The study included 52 TBM patients, the mean age was 27 (51.9%) and 25 (48.1%) years, out of 52 patients, 24 (46.2%) were male, and 28 (53.8%) were female. OCT revealed significant thickening of the RNFL, mean of 108.7 μm in the right eye and 108.69 μm in the left eye after 1 month of diagnosis. No significant difference was found between macular parameters (CST, CAT) and visual functions.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT biomarkers, particularly RNFL thickness, are significantly altered in TBM patients, indicating its potential as a sensitive marker for monitoring retinal changes. The macula appears to be spared in the early phase of TBM, and visual acuity remains relatively unaffected in the short-term follow-up.