Choroidal Tuberculoma in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Background

In Japan, since the introduction of antituberculosis chemotherapy, the typical choroidal tuberculoma has been considered uncommon. A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), because of the suppression of cell mediated immunity, faces the risk of tuberculous infection.Case: A 30-year-old Malayan man had continuous cough for 6 months. He was diagnosed as having miliary tuberculosis of the lung and spine. Because the serum test of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was positive, he was also diagnosed as having AIDS.Findings: Fundus examination showed a yellow white swollen lesion of the choroid with distinct border in his right eye, probably caused by tuberculosis. After 3 months of therapy with antituberculosis and anti-HIV drugs, his systemic and ocular findings were markedly improved.

Conclusion

Because of the recent increase in the incidence of tuberculosis with the epidemic of HIV prevailing in the world, the recognition of ocular tuberculosis is important.