A novel clinical sign in intraocular tuberculosis: Active chorioretinitis within chorioretinal atrophy

Purpose To report a novel clinical sign in patients with intraocular tuberculosis. The current study is an observational consecutive case series of patients diagnosed with intraocular tuberculosis managed at a tertiary eye care centre from June 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015. Observations The diagnosis of intraocular tuberculosis was made in 6 patients based on ocular features suggestive of tuberculosis along with a positive tuberculin skin testing and chest X-ray consistent with tuberculosis. All patients presented with decreased visual acuity ranging from 20/25 to 20/400, anterior chamber reaction, vitritis, multifocal choroiditis and vasculitis. All patients had an area of active chorioretinitis within the zone of pre-existing chorioretinal atrophy, apart from various other signs suggestive of intraocular inflammation. All patients were started on anti-tubercular therapy for a period of 9 months alone or in combination with oral corticosteroids tapered over 3-4 months. A prompt response to the treatment with resolution of chorioretinitis within the chorioretinal atrophy occurred in all patients. In addition, there was resolution of vitritis and improvement in the visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to 20/40 at last follow-up. Conclusions and Importance Active chorioretinitis within an area of chorioretinal atrophy is a novel clinical sign that may indicate intraocular tuberculosis.