Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
10:33
Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis (PMU) as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
Tuberculous uveitis after treatment with etanercept
Alex Fonollosa1, Antonio Segura, Joan Giralt
1Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. 36427afc@combs.es
Summary
Tuberculosis reactivation, specifically tuberculous uveitis, is a potential complication of etanercept (a TNF inhibitor) treatment. This first reported case highlights the need to consider tuberculosis in patients on etanercept presenting with intraocular inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, is used for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
- Reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) is a known complication of TNF inhibitors.
- Intraocular inflammation can occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman on etanercept and methotrexate developed chronic unilateral granulomatous panuveitis.
- Aqueous humor analysis revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) via PCR and culture.
- The patient was diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis.
Findings:
- Treatment with anti-TB medications (rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) and discontinuation of etanercept led to resolution of uveitis.
- The patient showed no intraocular inflammation four months after treatment initiation.
- This is the first reported case of tuberculous uveitis associated with etanercept use.
Implications:
- Tuberculous uveitis should be considered in patients on etanercept who develop intraocular inflammation.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this complication.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilance for opportunistic infections during immunosuppressive therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories: