Primary Conjunctival Tuberculosis-A Rare Presentation

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, commonly affecting the lungs. However, tuberculosis primarily affecting the conjuctiva is rare. Symptoms and signs of unilateral conjunctivitis may masquerade as primary conjunctival tuberculosis. In an endemic country like India, laterality, chronicity and non-resolution of symptoms with steroids are indications for pursuing a biopsy earlier than later. We report a case of 10 year old boy who presented with left eye discharge, redness with itching and a 1.5 x 1.0 cm palpebral growth for one month duration. Excision biopsy of the palpebral conjunctival lesion revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation suggestive of tuberculosis. Systemic examination showed no abnormality. He was started on anti-tubercular therapy. There was complete resolution of sign and symptoms with the initial treatment of 2 months duration.