Lack of consensus in the diagnosis and treatment for ocular tuberculosis among uveitis specialists.

PURPOSE: To assess the approach of specialists to ocular tuberculosis (TB).

METHODS

The American Uveitis Society (AUS) Listserv was surveyed using two clinical cases and general questions.

RESULTS

Of 196 members, 87 responded (44.4%), of whom 64 were affiliated with practices in North America, while 23 were outside of North America. The survey provided normative data on how physicians evaluate patients with uveitis as well as opinions about ocular TB. Responses varied widely on such issues as (1) the pretest probability that a patient with granulomatous panuveitis had TB uveitis (range 1-75%) or that a patient with a risk factor for TB had ocular TB (range 0-90%); (2) the optimal duration of anti-TB therapy; and (3) whether therapy should be discontinued after 2 months in nonresponders.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus is lacking among uveitis specialists for the diagnosis or management of ocular TB.