[Endophthalmitis caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis]

A 60-year-old woman developed an anterior uveitis of unknown etiology in her right eye. Topical treatment was corticosteroids led to a regression of the inflammation, but three months later a severe relapse occurred, followed by endophthalmitis and blindness. At this time a previously unknown pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed. In histologic sections of the enucleated eye numerous acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations are discussed.