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Purpose: To present paradoxical reaction (PR) in three cases with ocular tuberculosis (OTB) treated with antitubercular therapy (ATT), highlighting diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of three OTB patients presenting with paradoxical worsening after ATT initiation at two Brazilian university hospitals., Results: The patients (2 males, 1 female) experienced worsening clinical presentation (increased inflammation, vision loss) within two to three weeks after initiating ATT. One patient who was HIV-positive with unilateral multifocal choroiditis developed PR soon after starting antiretroviral therapy. The second patient presented with a choroidal tuberculoma in both eyes. The third patient also had multifocal choroiditis and developed a localized choroidal elevation with a double-layer sign as a manifestation of PR. All patients were maintained on ATT therapy in association with corticosteroids and experienced improvement of inflammatory signs., Conclusion: This case series highlights the potential for PR in OTB patients. Close monitoring and prompt therapeutic adjustments are crucial for management success.

Purpose: To assess the clinical relevance of pathophysiology-based biomarkers, specifically serum C1q and whole blood interferon gene signature score (IGSS), in ocular tuberculosis (OTB) diagnosis by conducting an integrative analysis of clinical presentations and treatment response., Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed data from 70 patients with suspected OTB at a tertiary care uveitis practice in Indonesia. Serum C1q levels and whole blood IGSS were quantified. Patients were categorized into four quadrants based on their biomarker profiles: quadrant 1 (high C1q & low IGSS), quadrant 2 (high C1q & high IGSS), quadrant 3 (low C1q & high IGSS), and quadrant 4 (low C1q & low IGSS). Characteristics of clinical presentations, work-up results, and treatment outcomes were explored according to the predefined quadrants., Results: We identified that the majority of OTB patients diagnosed with concurrent active pulmonary TB were in quadrant 1, 2, or 3 (20/23, 87.0%). Twenty-seven patients (27/47, 57.4%) with clinically undifferentiated uveitis were in quadrant 4 ( p  < 0.001). Among patients in quadrants 1, 2, and 3, completion of a full course of antitubercular treatment (ATT) was associated with a lower number of patients showing persistence or recurrence of ocular inflammation compared to those who were not fully treated with ATT (14.3% vs 85.7%, p  = 0.001)., Conclusions: Based on the analysis of clinical features and treatment outcomes, patients with elevated levels of either or both serum C1q and whole blood IGSS may reflect active TB disease in the eye, necessitating full ATT management.

Purpose: To describe and compare clinical features, treatment approaches, and treatment outcomes of ocular tuberculosis (OTB) patients in the Netherlands, a low tuberculosis (TB)-endemic country, and Indonesia, a high TB-endemic country. We also aimed to identify predictors of treatment outcomes., Methods: A medical chart review of 339 OTB patients ( n  = 93 from the Netherlands and n  = 246 from Indonesia) was performed. The primary outcome was response to treatment, whether with or without anti-tubercular treatment, after six months of treatment initiation (good versus poor responders)., Results: Indonesian OTB patients displayed a higher prevalence of chest radiograph findings indicative of TB infection ( p  < 0.001) and concurrent active systemic TB ( p  = 0.011). Indonesian cohort exhibited a more acute and severe disease profile, including uveitis duration ≤ 3 months ( p  < 0.001), blindness ( p  < 0.001), anterior chamber (AC) cells ≥ 2+ ( p  < 0.001), and posterior synechiae ( p  < 0.001). Overall proportions of good responders to treatment were 67.6% in the Netherlands and 71.5% in Indonesia. Presence of AC cell ≥ 2+ (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.12, 95% CI: 1.09-4.14), choroidal lesions other than serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) or tuberculoma (aOR: 4.47, 95% CI: 1.18-16.90), and retinal vasculitis (aOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.10-4.90) at baseline were predictors for poor response to treatment., Conclusions: Despite a more severe initial clinical presentation in the Indonesian cohort, the overall treatment outcomes of OTB was comparable in both cohorts. Three baseline clinical features were identified as predictors of treatment outcomes.

Purpose: This study aims to describe the incidence and geographical distribution of presumed ocular tuberculosis (POTB) in Colombia between 2015 and 2020 based on the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection data., Methods: We conducted a claims-based study using the Integrated Social Protection Information System database from the Colombian Ministry of Health. We used the specific code of the International Classification of Diseases for Ocular Tuberculosis (A18.5) and tuberculosis from 2015 to 2020 to estimate the incidence and the demographic status of the disease in Colombia. We used STROBE guidelines., Results: During the 6 years of study, the crude unadjusted incidence was 0.2 new cases of POTB in one million consulting patients and 55 new cases of POTB in 100,000 patients with TB showing a decreasing pattern of the disease. From the 28 new cases, the mean age of presentation was 41.4 years (SD ± 25.3) with a female predominance (60.7% of the cases). Distribution by age shows a higher proportion of cases in groups 15-19 (14%), 20-24 (11%), 55-59 (11%), and 60-64 (11%) years of age. The geographic analysis showed a higher number of cases in Andean region, followed by the Caribbean and Pacific regions., Conclusions: This is the first study that determines the incidence of POTB in a developing country from Latin America. POTB incidence in Colombia is lower than the reported worldwide. It could be attributed to a low burden of Tuberculosis in Colombia, underdiagnosis, and a low rate of immigration from countries with a high burden of TB.

Purpose: To assess the performance of interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) associated with tuberculosis skin test (TST) for ocular tuberculosis (OTB) diagnosis and therapeutic decision making., Method: One hundred and ninety-one patients with ocular inflammation were prospectively followed-up. Patients with clinical signs highly suspected of OTB, TST≥10 mm, and/or IGRA≥0.35 IU/mL received antitubercular therapy (ATT). Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and area under the curve (AUC) were assessed., Results: Seventy-two (37.7%) patients received ATT for presumed OTB. Combining TST and IGRA had Se=89.6%, Sp=99.2%, and AUC (0.98) significantly higher compared to TST (0.85, Z=6.3, p<.001) or IGRA (0.95, Z=2.5, p=.01). Prior history of corticosteroids or immunosuppressant with concomitantly oral prednisone and baseline IGRA> 2.0 IU/mL was associated significantly with more recurrences in ATT patients (p=.01)      ., Conclusion: Considering TST and IGRA together was more effective in assessing OTB diagnosis. The real value of the IGRA test to predict recurrences needs further studies.

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.

Ocular involvement is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. Four key issues historically faced by clinicians when diagnosing and treating ocular tuberculosis - diagnostic uncertainty, naturally heterogeneous presentations, limitations of existing laboratory diagnostic tools, and non-uniform treatment guidelines - continue to test today's physicians. Unparalleled scientific and clinical developments over the past century have greatly expanded the knowledge surrounding this challenging ophthalmic condition. Experience with large volumes of cases at tuberculosis-endemic centres has led to recent growth in knowledge and physician experience, perhaps more so in developing countries. Looking forward, the role of diverse new technologies, including artificial intelligence and proteomics, will advance ocular tuberculosis research. Efforts have been made to address the lack of standardized nomenclature, diagnostic uncertainty, and unvalidated, geographically variable treatment guidelines.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate cases with ocular complications associated with intravesical BCG therapy in terms of clinical features, demographic features and type of ocular involvement., Methods: PubMed database was scanned for relevant publications using the keywords. Thirty-seven publications and 147 reported cases were identified related to the development of ocular complications due to intravesical BCG treatment., Results: As a result of the analysis performed according to eye involvement, there were 17 cases of conjunctivitis, 7 uveitis, and 5 endophthalmitis. Only 27 (18.3%) cases were of primary ocular involvement and Reiter's syndrome was present in 120 (81.6%) of all cases., Conclusions: Most of the side-effects of BCG therapy are minor and of short duration. Although rare, it has been reported that potentially serious ocular complications can develop after treatment. Physicians must keep these facts in mind and be alert to the development of ocular symptoms following BCG therapy.

Purpose: To report a patient with submacular hemorrhage due to retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in tubercular retinal vasculitis (TRV)., Methods: Case report., Results: We report a 33-year-old Asian Indian patient of TRV presenting with capillary non-perfusion areas, submacular hemorrhage and venous loops. The patient presented with sudden onset decrease in vision in the right eye. Multimodal imaging revealed presence of retinal vascular anastomosis and stage 2 RAP. Systemic examination was within normal limits. Laboratory evaluation revealed positive Mantoux and interferon gamma release assay. He underwent right eye intravitreal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (12.5µg/0.1ml) with 100% sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade. The patient had successful displacement of the submacular hemorrhage with some improvement in visual acuity., Conclusion: This case highlights that rare vascular alterations such as RAP can develop in subjects with ocular tuberculosis.

Aim: To look at markers to differentiate ocular sarcoidosis from ocular tuberculosis in a high TB endemic population., Materials & Methods: Retrospective multicenter study involving seven tertiary eyecare centers in India between July 2016 to December 2016. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from respective hospital databases. Group A included biopsy-proven ocular sarcoidosis while group B included ocular tuberculosis., Results: Data from 2726 consecutive patients with uveitis were retrieved from the databases. Group A had 61 cases while group B included 307 cases. The mean age in group A was 43 ± 16.55 years while in group B was 38 ± 13.13 years. Females were more common in group A. Uveitis with low Schirmer test (OR-30, CI-95%), candlewax retinal vasculitis (OR-8.69, CI-95%), hilar lymphadenopathy (OR-15.23, CI-95%), fissural nodules (OR-39.11, CI-95%) had higher odds of having ocular sarcoidosis., Conclusion: Presence of dry eye, candlewax retinal vasculitis, hilar lymphadenopathy, and fissural nodules if present in a patient with uveitis, could help differentiate ocular sarcoidosis from ocular tuberculosis in a high TB endemic population.

Purpose: To describe the presentation and management of atypical subretinal lesions following initiation of antitubercular therapy for a tubercular choroidal granuloma., Case Report: An 18-year-old female was diagnosed with choroidal granuloma and shallow exudative retinal detachment in the left eye. Biopsy from a cervical lymph node was positive for tuberculosis. She was treated with antitubercular therapy (ATT) and oral steroids. After one week of therapy exudative detachment increased markedly and discrete yellowish-white subretinal lesions appeared first in the inferior periphery, then temporally and later involved the macula leading to a drop in visual acuity. A diagnosis of paradoxical worsening was considered and she was managed with a higher dose of oral corticosteroids, intravitreal methotrexate and intravitreal ranibizumab. The granuloma healed and the subretinal lesions as well as exudative detachment gradually resolved with improvement in visual acuity., Conclusion: Subretinal yellow-white lesions may develop as a paradoxical response to ATT.

Purpose : To evaluate potential host biomarkers detectable in QuantiFERON supernatants as diagnostic candidates for ocular tuberculosis (OTB). Methods : We investigated 47 host markers in QuantiFERON supernatants from 92 individuals with uveitis using the Luminex platform. We evaluated the potential of individual and combined biomarkers to distinguish between patients with possible, probable, and no OTB. Results : Differences were observed in median concentrations of several biomarkers including IL-13, IFN-γ, IFN-α2, and IL-1β, in individuals with OTB versus no OTB regardless of HIV status. Individuals with probable and possible OTB only differed regarding GM-CSF. We identified a four-marker biosignature (CD40 L, IL-33, IFN-γ, and SAP) which diagnosed OTB with an area under the ROC curve of 0.80, sensitivity = 56.3% and specificity = 90.0%. Conclusion : This represents the first attempt at screening QuantiFERON supernatants for biomarkers to diagnose OTB. We identified candidate biosignatures which may aid in diagnosing OTB in both HIV positive and negative patients.

Purpose : To report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which was not obvious with dye angiography but was detected with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods : A 50-year-old female presented with decreased vision in her right eye. Funduscopic examination revealed a swollen hyperemic disc, peripapillary exudation, and choroidal infiltration. Results : Optical coherence tomography revealed intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid in the macular region, and subretinal hyperreflective material in the papillomacular area. Fluorescein angiography revealed early hypofluorescence in the areas of choroidal infiltrations, and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) also showed hypocyanescence corresponding to these infiltrations and revealed a faint hypocyanescence in the papillomacular region, further corresponding to the subretinal hyperreflective material on OCT scan. Two weeks after the initiation of systemic therapy with the diagnosis of tuberculosis, OCTA scans detected Type 1 CNV in the peripapillary area. Conclusion : OCTA may be superior to ICGA in the detection of CNV secondary to inflammatory situations.

Purpose : To evaluate the role of angiogenic growth factors in the pathogenesis of intraocular tuberculosis. Methods : Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells were infected with varying dilution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), ranging from several thousand to a few MTB bacilli to replicate paucibacillary conditions. Angiogenesis growth factors were evaluated using multiplex fluorescent bead based flow cytometry in the culture supernatant of RPE cells infected with MTB, vitreous fluids and tear samples of uveitis patients visiting retina clinic. Results : Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were elevated and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were down regulated in RPE-infected MTB cells. Similar pattern of VEGF and FGF was observed in the vitreous of IOTB patients. However, no changes were observed in tear samples. Conclusions : MTB exploits the angiogenesis growth factors for pathogenesis by decreasing FGF with concomitant surge of VEGF in MTB infected RPE as well in the vitreous of IOTB patients.

Purpose : To describe the prevalence and clinical findings of ocular tuberculosis (TB) in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and systemic TB co-infected patients. Methods : In this prospective, observational, non-comparative case series, we included HIV and systemic TB co-infected patients, who underwent a detailed ophthalmic and systemic evaluation. Results : Of 85 patients, ocular tuberculosis was seen in eleven patients and their 16 eyes (12.9%). Without the benefit of eye exam, the diagnosis of disseminated TB was missed in 5/52 (9.6%) and 2/25 (8%) of patients clinically assumed to have pulmonary and Extrapulmonary TB, respectively. Conclusion : HIV patients with the disseminated TB have higher risk for ocular TB. As ocular symptoms are rare, still all of them need a detailed ocular examination to look for active ocular TB which will reclassify isolated pulmonary/extrapulmonary to disseminated TB warranting a detailed systemic examination.

Ocular tuberculosis can manifest in a wide variety of clinical presentations. The prevalence is higher in endemic areas as a cause of granulomatous uveitis. While posterior segment manifestations are well known, anterior segment granulomas alone are relatively rare. We report two cases of unilateral iris granulomata in two young patients who presented with decreased vision and redness and were found to have well-circumscribed iris granulomas. Both underwent systemic evaluation and had a negative Mantoux test. Biopsy pathology of the lesions revealed granulomatous inflammation but were negative for PCR, staining, and culture for TB. One patient turned out to have multiple pulmonary lesions. The ocular condition initially worsened with steroid therapy alone and improved and resolved completely after starting a 9 months course of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT).

Purpose : Overview of treatment options for the most common intraocular opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), including ocular syphilis, ocular tuberculosis, toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, and viral retinitis. Method : Narrative Review. Results : Despite the huge advances in the development of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) for the management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, opportunistic infections still represent a significant diagnostic dilemma and cause of ocular morbidity in patients with HIV. Conclusion : Although the treatment of intraocular infections in patients with AIDS may be challenging, prompt assessment of the clinical features and appropriate aggressive management of the underlying etiology are critical to avoid life and vision threatening.

Purpose: Tubercular intermediate uveitis (TIU) and panuveitis (TBP) are difficult to manage because of limitations in diagnostic tools and lack of evidence-based treatment guidelines. The Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS) analyzed treatment regimens and therapeutic outcomes in patients with TIU and TBP. Methods: Multicentre retrospective analysis. Results A total of 138 TIU and 309 TBP patients were included. A total of 382 subjects received antitubercular therapy (ATT) (n = 382/447; 85.4%) and 382 received corticosteroids (n = 382/447; 85.4%). Treatment failure was observed in 78 individuals (n = 78/447; 17.4%), occurring less frequently in patients receiving ATT (n = 66/382; 17.2%) compared to those who did not (n = 12/65; 18.5%). The study did not show any statistically significant therapeutic effect of ATT in patients with TIU and TBP. Conclusion Taking into account the limitations of the retrospective, non-randomized study design, resultant reliance on reported data records, and unequal size of the samples, the current study cannot provide conclusive evidence on the therapeutic benefit of ATT in TIU and TBP.

Purpose : The Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS) Group sought to address the diagnostic uncertainty through retrospective cohort analysis of treatment regimens and therapeutic outcomes for patients with tubercular Anterior Uveitis (TAU) across international centers. Methods : Multicentre retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with TAU between January 2004 to December 2014 that had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Results : One hundred and sixty-five patients were included. One hundred and seven subjects received antitubercular therapy (ATT) (n = 107/165; 64.9%) with all the patients receiving topical steroid therapy. Treatment failure was noted in 17 patients (n = 17/165; 10.3%), more frequently described in patients that received ATT (n = 13/107, 12.2%), than those that did not receive ATT (n = 4/58, 6.9%). Conclusion : In this retrospective study, addition of ATT did not have any statistically significant impact on outcome in patients with TAU.

Purpose: To examine disease profile of tubercular uveitis (TBU) in Paediatric population. Methods: Among 945 patients of the retrospective multinational study by the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1, 29 Paediatric patients diagnosed with TBU were analyzed. Results: Mean age of disease presentation was 12.8 (range 4-18 years), with predominance of males (n = 14/20; 70.0%) and Asian ethnicity (n = 25/29; 86.2%). Posterior uveitis (n = 14/28; 50%) was the most frequent uveitis phenotype, with choroidal involvement occurring in 64.7% (n = 11/17). Incidence of optic disc edema and macular edema was higher in children (n = 8/18; 44.4% and n = 5/18; 27.8%, respectively) than in adults (n = 160/942; 16.9% and n = 135/942; 14.3%, respectively). Comparison of optic disc edema between subgroups showed a significant difference ( P =.006 ). All patients received oral corticosteroids, most of them with antitubercular therapy. Treatment failure developed in 4.8% (n = 1/21). Conclusions: Children have a more severe inflammatory response to the disease, and an intensive anti-inflammatory therapeutic regimen is required to achieve a positive treatment outcome.

Purpose : To standardize a nomenclature system for defining clinical phenotypes, and outcome measures for reporting clinical and research data in patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB). Methods : Uveitis experts initially administered and further deliberated the survey in an open meeting to determine and propose the preferred nomenclature for terms related to the OTB, terms describing the clinical phenotypes and treatment and reporting outcomes. Results : The group of experts reached a consensus on terming uveitis attributable to tuberculosis (TB) as tubercular uveitis. The working group introduced a SUN-compatible nomenclature that also defines disease "remission" and "cure", both of which are relevant for reporting treatment outcomes. Conclusion : A consensus nomenclature system has been adopted by a large group of international uveitis experts for OTB. The working group recommends the use of standardized nomenclature to prevent ambiguity in communication and to achieve the goal of spreading awareness of this blinding uveitis entity.

Purpose : To report the clinical findings, anatomical features, and treatment outcomes in subjects with ocular tuberculosis (OTB) at 24 months in the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1. Methods : Of the 945 subjects included in COTS-1, those who completed a 24-month follow-up after completion of treatment were included. The main outcome measure was a number of patients with treatment failure (TF). Results : 228 subjects (120 males; mean age of 42.82 ± 14.73 years) were included. Most common phenotype of uveitis was posterior ( n = 81; 35.53%), and panuveitis ( n = 76; 33.33%). Fifty-two patients (22.81%) had TF. On univariable analysis, odds of high TF was observed with bilaterality (OR: 3.46, p = .003), vitreous haze (OR: 2.14, p = .018), and use of immunosuppressive therapies (OR: 5.45, p = .003). However, only bilaterality was significant in the multiple regression model (OR: 2.84; p = .02). Conclusions : Majority of subjects (>75%) achieved cure in the COTS-1 at 24-month follow-up. The concept of "cure" may be a valuable clinical endpoint in trials for OTB.

Purpose : There is controversy regarding the diagnosis and management of ocular tuberculosis (TB) due to lack of robust evidence. The Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS) was conducted in stages to enable swift, accurate data collection across 25 participating centers. Method : Data collection was facilitated by a cloud-based data aggregation platform with programmed logic based on anecdotal evidence from uveitis experts corroborated with literature review. Results : The platform enabled standardization of interpretation and collection of data from patient medical records. The pre-programmed logic also ensured the platform only prompted the entry of relevant data based on initial data entered for each unit of analysis. This enabled collection of the vast amounts of data without compromising either of the breadth nor the depth of data collection. Conclusion : The final output from this effort was an in-depth retrospective analysis to facilitate the design of future prospective investigations on ocular TB and develop best practice guidelines.

An international, expert led consensus initiative was set up by the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS) group to develop systematic, evidence, and experience-based recommendations for the treatment of ocular TB using a modified Delphi technique process. In the first round of Delphi, the group identified clinical scenarios pertinent to ocular TB based on five clinical phenotypes (anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, choroiditis, retinal vasculitis, and panuveitis). Using an interactive online questionnaires, guided by background knowledge from published literature, 486 consensus statements for initiating ATT were generated and deliberated amongst 81 global uveitis experts. The median score of five was considered reaching consensus for initiating ATT. The median score of four was tabled for deliberation through Delphi round 2 in a face-to-face meeting. This report describes the methodology adopted and followed through the consensus process, which help elucidate the guidelines for initiating ATT in patients with choroidal TB.

Purpose : To describe a case of Nocardia subretinal abscess, which posed a diagnostic challenge due to the presence of mycobacterial genome in sample obtained from fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Methods : A retrospective chart review. Results : A 25-year-old male presented with sudden, painless onset diminution of vision of left eye and found to have placoid patch of choroiditis just temporal to the macula in right eye and showed vitritis, subretinal abscess with exudative retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage in left eye. Both aqueous and vitreous samples were negative microbiologically and polymerase chain reaction for various genomes. Sample obtained from FNAB was positive for mycobacterial genome and yielded Nocardia arthritidis on culture. She was treated with antitubercular therapy and intravenous and intravitreal antimicrobials. Conclusions: Nocardia subretinal abscess can be a diagnostic challenge in tuberculosis-endemic region, especially in conditions when there is co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

The authors present a 36-year-old female with pulmonary tuberculosis who developed a choroidal tuberculoma in the left eye. The choroidal tuberculoma successfully resolved with visual gain following oral anti-tubercular and oral steroid therapy leaving behind a chorioretinal scar. One year after the completion of anti-tubercular treatment, she developed visual loss due to the development of a secondary choroidal neovascular membrane at the fovea. This was treated successfully with one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in the left eye. The fovea remained free of fluid until the last follow-up 10 months after the intravitreal injection. Intravitreal bevacizumab may be an effective modality for treating secondary choroidal neovascular membranes that may form at the edge of a healed choroidal tuberculoma.

Ocular tuberculosis remains a presumptive clinical diagnosis, as the gold standard tests for diagnosing ocular tuberculosis are often not useful: Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures require weeks to process on Lowenstein-Jenson media and have low yield from ocular samples; while acid-fast bacilli smears or polymerase chain reaction detection of M. tuberculosis DNA have low sensitivities. Thus, diagnosis is often based on suggestive clinical signs, which are supported by positive investigations: tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assays; chest X-ray findings suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis, and/or evidence of associated systemic tuberculosis infections in the absence of other underlying disease. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the methods of diagnosing ocular tuberculosis, and discuss the challenges of its diagnosis. We also suggest a step-ladder approach to a more accurate diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis by combining the available diagnostic tests.

Purpose: To retrospectively analyze clinical features, laboratory investigations, treatment and visual outcomes in patients with tubercular subretinal abscess., Methods: A total of 12 eyes of 12 patients receiving a diagnosis of subretinal abscess, between 2004 and 2014, were included for this retrospective study., Results: The mean age of the presentation was 29.75 ± 16.72 years (range: 14-62 years) and seven (58.3%) were male. The most common anterior segment presentation was anterior uveitis (75%). The mean BCVA at presentation was 1.62 (in logMAR). A tuberculin skin test was positive in seven patients (58.3%) and five patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Polymerase chain reaction for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome was positive in 6 of 11 eyes from aqueous aspirate (54%) and 4 of 7 eyes from vitreous aspirates (57.14%). All patients were started on systemic steroids and an anti-tubercular regimen. The mean duration of follow-up was 134.28 days. The mean BCVA at final presentation was 1.19 (in logMAR). Chorioretinal scar was the most common finding after resolution., Conclusions: Subretinal abscess is a rare manifestation of ocular tuberculosis. A high degree of suspicion and timely management of the condition can prevent loss of vision.

Purpose: To clarify interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) contributions to intraocular tuberculosis management, according to related TB endemic prevalence., Methods: Despite extensive investigations, including IGRA, the diagnosis of intraocular tuberculosis (TB) is still challenging and remains mostly presumptive. According to the literature, it appears that management of suspected ocular TB differs significantly based on whether patients are from areas of high TB prevalence or from non-TB-endemic countries. The accuracy and final contribution of chest X-rays, tuberculin skin test and IGRA differ significantly according to low or high endemic TB areas. This work aims to review IGRA test outcomes in the light of these clinical and epidemiological settings. We therefore focused our analysis and its subsequent guidelines proposal based on the TB prevalence where the patient lives., Conclusion: We believe that distinct guidelines should be determined for managing patients with suspected ocular TB, first taking into consideration the relative TB prevalence.

Purpose: To determine the incidence and clinical phenotype of ocular tuberculosis in Australia based on the mandatory jurisdictional health notification records for TB., Methods: A whole population retrospective case series (Australia). Patients diagnosed with ocular tuberculosis were identified over the past 10 years (1 January 2006 to 31 December 2015) as recorded by individual Health Department jurisdictions per mandatory health notifications. The incidence rates were calculated based on the available Australian census data. Incidence rates were age and sex standardized., Results: A total of 162 cases of ocular tuberculosis were identified across Australia over a 10-year time period. Of these, 156 participants were overseas born. The 10-year Australian incidence of ocular tuberculosis was 0.77 per 100,000 people. While there has been a downward trend in overall TB annual incidence rates from 2010 to 2015, over the same period the annual incidence of ocular TB has increased compared to the 4 previous years. Descriptive clinical data regarding the ocular manifestations of TB was available in 73/157 patients. In these 73 patients the commonest manifestations of ocular TB were unspecified uveitis (50.1%), focal, multifocal or serpiginous choroiditis or chorioretinitis (12.3%) and retinal vasculitis (11.0%). Of patients with ocular TB, 4/162 (2.47%) had associated pulmonary TB and 8/162 (4.94%) had associated systemic (non-pulmonary) TB. Systemic anti-TB therapy was administered to 161 patients., Conclusions: The annual Australian incidence of ocular tuberculosis was 0.077 per 100,000 people. Increasing notifications in the past 6 years may demonstrate increased awareness and changing diagnostic criteria of the disease in the Australian population.

Purpose: To determine the performance of T-SPOT.TB, an interferon gamma release assay test, in patients with ocular tuberculosis (TB) in a BCG-vaccinated, non-endemic population., Methods: We employed a nested case-control design. In total, 45 subjects were enrolled (23 patients with ocular tuberculosis and 22 patients with other causes of uveitis). A blood sample was collected from each subject, and T-SPOT.TB was executed. Laboratory professionals were blinded to the disease status of each subject., Results: Five patients were excluded because of indeterminate results. The calculated sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 and 0.85, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 5.33 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.23. The overall accuracy of the test was 0.83., Conclusions: T-SPOT.TB adequately diagnosed ocular TB. This technique is particularly useful in populations where BCG vaccinations are still mandatory.

Purpose: To characterize the clinical features in patients with presumed ocular tuberculosis (TB) and determine prognostic factors of visual outcomes and complications in this disease., Material and Methods: Retrospective case series of 35 patients (29 females, 6 males) with presumed ocular TB from referral centers in Chile and Spain between 2002 and 2012. Medical records were reviewed, and data regarding clinical features, complications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), duration of disease, extraocular manifestations, and therapy were retrieved. Prognostic factors for low vision (BCVA 20/50 or less), legal blindness (BCVA 20/200 or less), and complications (cataract, glaucoma, and macular lesion) were evaluated. To calculate correlations, we used Spearman's rank correlation test. To determine clinical predictors, we used the binary logistic regression test., Results: Anterior and non-granulomatous uveitis was the most common types of inflammation. Only 2 (5.7%) patients had respiratory symptoms, and 6 (17.1%) patients had an abnormal chest X-ray at diagnosis. All patients received combined antitubercular therapy with a mean duration of 6.9 ± 2.3 months. A longer duration of symptoms at diagnosis was associated with both low vision and legal blindness. Older patients had a higher risk of legal blindness. A longer duration of symptoms as well as anterior inflammation demonstrated an increased risk for cataract formation. The duration of the symptoms and baseline BCVA had a positive correlation with the final BCVA. Prognostic factors of macular lesions were not found., Conclusions: The diagnosis of ocular TB can be difficult due to the lack of extraocular manifestations and the broad spectrum of ocular features. A longer duration of symptoms at diagnosis was associated with poorer visual outcomes and cataracts. Therefore, efforts should be made to avoid a delay in the diagnosis of ocular TB and to identify prognostic factors for visual outcomes and complications.

Purpose: To review the role of high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) in ocular sarcoidosis in a high TB endemic population., Methods: This was a retrospective study., Results: Out of 140 cases, 54 had ocular sarcoidosis, while 86 cases had ocular tuberculosis. Abnormal HRCT findings was noted in 52 cases (96.3%) of ocular sarcoidosis compared with 55 cases (64.7%) of ocular tuberculosis (p = 0.001). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was the most common finding in both groups (p = 0.544). Hilar lymphadenopathy and fissural nodules were significantly seen in ocular sarcoidosis (p = 0.001). Necrosis was seen in three cases of ocular sarcoidosis. In nearly half of the cases, it was not possible to differentiate between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis on HRCT., Conclusions: HRCT is a useful diagnostic tool in ocular sarcoidosis. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and fissural nodules are significant findings in ocular sarcoidosis. A confident diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis is made by the amalgamation of results of clinical, radiologic, and other laboratory investigations.

Aim: To review the results of QuantiFERON TB gold (QFT-G) in our patient population of presumed ocular tuberculosis and the effect of antitubercular therapy (ATT) on the QFT-G result., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 82 cases of presumed ocular tuberculosis with a successful response to ATT and 6 months follow-up post-ATT. Appropriate statistical analysis was done for associations between QFT-G and independent variables. Pre-ATT QFT-G values were also compared to the post-ATT value., Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the results of QFT-G with age (0.635), gender (0.096), history of oral steroids (0.171), or type of uveitis (0.664). There was a statistically significant association between a positive QFT-G and serpiginous-like choroiditis (0.048). The majority of our patients had positive QFT even after completion of ATT but with a significant drop in the mean values post ATT (0.010)., Conclusions: Our study shows significant association of positive QFT with serpiginous-like choroiditis and persistent positivity even after completion of ATT in majority of cases in our population. There was, however, a drop in the mean values of QFT-G post-ATT.