Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobes for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Detection
Published on: February 16, 2020
Bilateral Ocular Tuberculosis in a Child with Negative Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): A Diagnostic Dilemma
Tina Agrawal1, Priyansha Multani1, Sachin B Shetty1
1Vitreoretina and uvea Services, Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot, India.
Purpose:
To report a case of bilateral ocular tuberculosis (OTB) in a child with negative Tuberculin skin test (TST).
Methods:
Case report.
Observations:
A 12-year-old malnourished systemically asymptomatic boy presented with sudden profound loss of vision in both eyes. Dense vitritis precluded fundus visualization in right eye (RE). In left eye, fundus findings of extensive vasculitis associated with multifocal retinochoroiditis were suggestive of OTB. However, negative TST, normal chest X-ray, and gram negative bacteriuria led to confusion between endogenous endophthalmitis and OTB. Based on strong clinical suspicion and high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT) of thorax which was suggestive of TB-pneumonitis, a diagnosis of presumed OTB was made. A good response to anti-tubercular-treatment and corticosteroids, with resolution of retinochoroiditis lesions, vasculitis, and vitritis, further supported our diagnosis.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion for TB-associated uveitis in children, based on clinical findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
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...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...