Presumed ocular tuberculosis in an AIDS patient.

BACKGROUND

Prior to the advent of anti-tuberculosis medications, ocular manifestations of tuberculosis, including choroidal tubercles, were common.

METHODS

A 46-year-old Hispanic male with a history of AIDS, tuberculosis and treated neurosyphilis presented for examination complaining of decreased vision in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopy revealed a large, elevated, juxtapapillary lesion consistent with a choroidal tubercle or an intraocular lymphoma.

RESULTS

During follow-up, the lesion responded well to systemic anti-tuberculosis therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

With the recent increase in incidence of tuberculosis in both th general population and AIDS patients, ocular manifestations of tuberculosis once thought to be rare may be increasing. Ocular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with intraocular masses, especially in individuals at high risk for exposure.