Tuberculous choroiditis masquerading as sympathetic ophthalmia: a case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• A 26-year-old male presented with decreased vision and painful proptosis.
• Initial presentation suggested sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare autoimmune condition.

Observation:

• The patient exhibited severe visual impairment in both eyes with left eye proptosis and corneoscleral perforation.
• Right eye examination revealed anterior chamber reaction and exudative retinal detachment.

Findings:

• Pathological examination of the enucleated left eye confirmed ocular tuberculosis.
• Systemic steroid treatment for presumed sympathetic ophthalmia showed limited efficacy.

Implications:

• Ocular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe uveitis and exudative retinal detachment.
• Prompt initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy led to improved visual acuity and reduced subretinal fluid.