Aspectos clínicos e tratamento de pacientes com tuberculose ocular presumida em centro de referência de São Paulo, Brasil. Estudo retrospectivo / Clinical description and treatment of patients with presumed ocular tuberculosis in São Paulo, Brazil. Retrospective study

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever aspectos clínicos e esquema terapêutico dos pacientes com tuberculose ocular presumida tratados em um centro de referência em tuberculose de São Paulo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo. O teste exato de Fisher foi realizado quando apropriado. Resultados: A queixa mais comum foi baixa acuidade visual (83,1%), seguida por dor ocular generalizada (25,3%) e visão turva (22,8%). A uveíte posterior foi a apresentação mais comum (35,7%). O tratamento consistiu no esquema atualmente recomendado de rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol (RHZE). A prednisona oral foi incluída no tratamento de 37 pacientes, para tratamento da inflamação aguda, embora não tenha diminuído a prevalência de complicações crônicas, em comparação com a recuperação completa (p = 0,1). O diagnóstico precoce (<70 dias) foi associado a maiores taxas de recuperação total (p = 0,005). Não houve significância estatística quando se comparou a terapia de 6 a 9 meses (p = 0,7). Conclusão: A uveíte tuberculosa pode ser tratada por uma terapia com duração de seis meses. Um breve curso de esteroides melhora os sintomas agudos, embora não reduza as complicações a longo prazo.

Abstract Purpose: To analyze and describe the therapy used in presumed ocular tuberculosis in a referral center in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study. Fisher's exact test was performed when appropriate. Results: The most common complaint was low visual acuity (83.1%), followed by generalized ocular pain (25.3%) and blurred vision (22.8%). Posterior uveitis was the most common presentation (35.7%). Treatment consisted of the currently recommended association of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol (RHZE) regimen. Oral prednisone was included in the treatment of 37 patients for acute inflammation, although it did not significantly decrease the prevalence of chronic complications compared to full recovery (p = 0,1). Early diagnosis (< 70 days) was associated with higher rates of full recovery (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was observed when comparing 6 to 9-month therapy (p = 0.7). Conclusion: Tuberculous uveitis can be treated with a 6-month duration RHZE therapy. A brief course of steroids may improve acute symptoms, although it did not reduce long-term disabilities.

Unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in a patient with a strongly positive purified protein derivative test / Epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda unilateral na presença de reação forte positiva para o teste tuberculínico

ABSTRACT A 27-year-old man presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/60 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Right eye fundoscopy revealed mild vitritis, multifocal yellowish lesions, and macular serous retinal detachment. Left eye evaluation was normal. Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy was diagnosed in the right eye. Complementary exams revealed a strong reaction to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative test, thus treatment for tuberculosis was initiated. Baseline fluorescein angiography of the right eye revealed early hypofluorescence and late staining of the lesions. Optical coherence tomography of the right eye demonstrated the accumulation of subretinal and intraretinal fluid associated with cystoid macular edema. During follow-up, the retinal fluid and cysts disappeared, which was followed by disorganization of foveal interdigitation and ellipsoid zones. This is the second described case of unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in a patient with a strong positive result to the M. tuberculosis purified protein derivative test.

RESUMO Um homem de 27 anos apresentou uma queixa de diminuição da acuidade visual no olho direito. A acuidade visual melhor corrigida foi 20/60 no olho direito e 20/20 no olho esquerdo. A fundoscopia do olho direito revelou vitreíte leve, lesões amareladas multifocais e descolamento seroso da retina em região macular. A avaliação do olho esquerdo foi normal. Epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda foi diagnosticada no olho direito. Os exames complementares revelaram forte reação ao teste do derivado proteico purificado Mycobacterium tuberculosis, iniciando terapia antibiótica contra tuberculose. A angiografia fluoresceínica basal do olho direito revelou hipofluorescência precoce e tardia das lesões. A tomografia de coerência óptica do olho direito demonstrou fluído sub- e intrarretiniano associado a edema macular cistóide. Durante o seguimento, os fluídos e cistos retinianos desapareceram, seguido da desorganização das zonas de interdigitação e elipsóide em região foveal. Este é o segundo caso descrito de epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda unilateral em um paciente com um forte resultado positivo para o teste tuberculínico.

Potencial do teste IGRA (Interferon Gama Release Assay) para o diagnóstico de tuberculose ocular. Revisão e análise comparativa com o teste tuberculínico cutâneo (PPD) / The potential of the IGRA (Interferon Gamma Release Assay) test for the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis. Review and comparative analysis with the tuberculosis skin test

Resumo A detecção precisa da infecção latente por tuberculose está se tornando cada vez mais importante devido ao aumento do uso de medicamentos imunossupressores e da epidemia do vírus da imunodeficiência humana, o que aumentou o risco de reativação à tuberculose ativa (TB). O Teste IGRA QuantiFERON® TB Gold apresenta vantagens frente ao teste de PPD como por exemplo, requer somente uma coleta de amostra sanguínea ; não há necessidade que o paciente retorne ao laboratório para leitura e interpretação dos resultados; Os resultados são objetivos, não requerem interpretação do leitor ou interferência de critérios subjetivos; trata-se de um teste in vitro, portanto não há "efeito booster" (potenciação da reação tuberculínica); o teste não é afetado por vacinação prévia por BCG ou infecção por outras espécies de micobactérias. Limitações são descritas, apesar de raras, como reações cruzadas deste método com infecções por algumas espécies de micobactérias não-tuberculosis (incluindo Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium szulgai e Mycobacterium marinum). Ainda há poucos dados sobre o teste IGRA em certas populações, como por exemplo, em crianças, pacientes imunocomprometidos e mulheres grávidas. Nestes grupos, a interpretação do teste pode ser difícil e mais estudos se fazem necessários.

Abstract Precise detection of latent tuberculosis infection is becoming increasingly important due to increased use of immunosuppressive drugs and the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic , which increased the risk of reactivation to active tuberculosis (TB).The QuantiFERON® TB Gold IGRA Test has advantages over the skin test for TB, otherwise known as a Mantoux tuberculin test, for example, requires only a blood sample collection; there is no need for the patient to return to the laboratory for reading and interpretation of the results; The results are objective, do not require interpretation of the reader or interference of subjective criteria; it is an in vitro test, so there is no "booster effect" (potentiation of the tuberculin reaction); the test is not affected by prior BCG vaccination or infection with other species of mycobacteria. Limitations are described, although rare, as cross-reactions of this method with infections by some species of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (including Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium szulgai and Mycobacterium marinum). There is still little data on the IGRA test in certain populations, such as in children, immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. In these groups, the interpretation of the test can be difficult and more studies are needed.

Anterior uveitis as a manifestation of ocular tuberculosis / Uveíte anterior como manifestação de tuberculose ocular

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of great magnitude in the world. Of patients with extrapulmonary disease, ocular manifestations are rare but among reported cases the most common ocular manifestation is uveitis. The diagnosis of ocular TB should be made as early as possible so that treatment is initiated and the risks of ocular complications are minimized. The objective of this study is to report an ocular TB case that presented as anterior uveitis. A 52-year-old female patient, a nursing technician at a large hospital, presented a history of low visual acuity associated with myiodesopsia for 4 days. Her ophthalmologic history included an iridotomy due to narrow angle in both eyes. On examination, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/100, right eye, and 20/80, left eye. Among the most significant ocular alterations were granulomatous keratic precipitates, anterior chamber reaction, flare and light vitreitis, corresponding to anterior uveitis. Based on clinical history and ophthalmologic examination, tests were ordered that corroborated the diagnosis of ocular TB. Thereafter, antituberculous therapy was instituted with a good response in 15 days, including improvement in visual acuity. The patient was followed-up by ophthalmology and infectology. Intraocular TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any type of intraocular inflammation. The diagnosis of presumed ocular TB is a clinical challenge with the diagnosis modalities currently available. The faster the onset of treatment, the better the visual prognosis of the affected patient.

RESUMO A tuberculose (TB) é uma doença infecciosa de grande magnitude no mundo. Dos pacientes com doença extrapulmonar, as manifestações oculares são raras, mas entre os casos relatados, a manifestação ocular mais comum é a uveíte. O diagnóstico de TB ocular deve ser feito o mais precoce possível para que o tratamento seja iniciado e os riscos de complicações oculares sejam minimizados. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de TB ocular que se apresentou como uveíte anterior. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, 52 anos, técnica de enfermagem de um hospital de grande porte, apresentou história de baixa acuidade visual associada à miodesopsia por 4 dias. Sua história oftalmológica incluía uma iridotomia devido ao ângulo estreito em ambos os olhos. No exame, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi 20/100, olho direito, e 20/80, olho esquerdo. Dentre as alterações oculares mais significativas, destacam-se precipitados ceráticos granulomatosos, reação de câmara anterior, flare e vitreíte leve, correspondendo à uveíte anterior. Com base na história clínica e no exame oftalmológico, foram solicitados exames que corroboram o diagnóstico de TB ocular. Posteriormente, a terapia antituberculosa foi instituída com uma boa resposta em 15 dias, incluindo melhora na acuidade visual. A paciente foi acompanhada pelas especialidades: oftalmologia e infectologia. A TB intraocular deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de qualquer tipo de inflamação intraocular. O diagnóstico presumível de tuberculose ocular é um desafio clínico com as modalidades de diagnóstico atualmente disponíveis. Quanto mais rápido o início do tratamento, melhor o prognóstico visual do paciente afetado.

Isolated posterior scleritis associated with tuberculosis / Esclerite posterior isolada associada à tuberculose

ABSTRACT Ocular tuberculosis (TB) is considered to be rare, although its incidence has varied widely over time and in different populations. Latent TB is diagnosed when a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not have active TB. During the last decade, interferon-gamma release assay tests have been developed that allow identification of patients with latent TB infection with better specificity than the tuberculin skin test and can differentiate between infection and prior vaccination. Although rare, tuberculous scleritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior scleritis. Here we describe a patient with posterior scleritis and severe visual loss associated with latent TB without uveitis, anterior scleritis, keratitis, or any other previous ocular disease history. The patient responded well to a combined treatment of antitubercular therapy and oral corticosteroids.

RESUMO A tuberculose (TB) ocular foi considerada rara, embora a sua incidência tenha variado significativamente ao longo do tempo e nas diferentes populações. A TB latente é diagnosticada quando alguém é infetado com Mycobacterium tuberculosis sem possuir doença ativa. Durante a última década, testes tendo por base interferon gamma release assay foram desenvolvidos, permitindo a identificação de pacientes com infeção por tuberculose latente com maior especificidade que o teste tuberculínico e diferenciar infeção e vacinação prévia. Embora rara, a esclerite tuberculosa deve ser tida em consideração no diagnóstico diferencial de esclerite posterior. Reportamos um paciente com esclerite posterior e baixa grave de acuidade visual associada a TB latente, sem uveíte, esclerite anterior, ceratite ou história de doença ocular prévia. O paciente respondeu favoravelmente a um tratamento combinado de fármacos antituberculose e corticoides orais.

Granuloma macular por tuberculose sem manifestação pulmonar / Macular granuloma due to tuberculosis without pulmonary symptoms

Tuberculose é uma doença infecciosa causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, também conhecido como bacilo de Koch. O principal sítio de acometimento é o pulmonar, porém o bacilo pode disseminar-se por via linfo-hematogênica para outros órgãos, dentre eles o olho. A incidência de tuberculose ocular é de 1 a 2% dos casos extrapulmonares. Os autores apresentam um caso clínico de um paciente do sexo feminino de 28 anos que procura atendimento médico devido à redução da acuidade visual em olho esquerdo há 7 dias. Apresentava a melhor acuidade visual corrigida no olho acometido de 20/200 e no olho contralateral de 20/20. Na fundoscopia era evidenciado um granuloma em área macular do olho esquerdo, com edema e hemorragia intrarretiniana adjacente. Após investigação diagnóstica, a paciente foi tratada com esquema antibiótico para tuberculose durante 6 meses, obtendo regressão do granuloma e melhora da acuidade visual deste olho para 20/50.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.The main site of involvement is the lung, but the bacillus may spread by hematogenous/lymph systems to other organs, including the eye.The incidence of ocular TB is 1-2% of extra-pulmonary cases. The authors present a case of a 28 years old female patient seeking medical care due to reduction of visual acuity in the left eye for 8 days. She had the best corrected visual acuity in the affected eye of 20/200, and the opposite eye was 20/20. At fundoscopy was shown a granuloma in the macular area of the left eye, with retinal edema and hemorrhage. After diagnostic investigation the patient was treated with antibiotic therapy for tuberculosis during 6 months, obtaining lesion regression and visual acuity improvement to 20/50.

The Usefulness of Interferon-gamma Release Assay for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis-related Uveitis in Korea

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB)-related uveitis (TRU). METHODS: Records from 181 patients with ocular signs and symptoms suggestive of TRU and intraocular inflammation of unknown etiology were reviewed. All subjects underwent clinical and laboratory testing, including IGRA, to rule out presence of underlying disease. A diagnosis of presumed TRU was made based on an internist's TB diagnosis and a patient's response to anti-TB therapy. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of IGRA for TRU diagnosis were calculated. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with positive and negative IGRA results. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of IGRA for TRU were 100% and 72.0%, respectively. Mean age, percentage of patients with retinal vasculitis, and the anatomic type of uveitis were significantly different between patients with positive and negative IGRA results (all p < or = 0.001). Positive IGRA rates and false-positive rates were significantly different between age and anatomic type groups (both p = 0.001). The positive predictive value of the IGRA among patients with intraocular inflammation was high (70%) when all of younger age (< or =40 years), posterior uveitis, and retinal vasculitis were present. CONCLUSIONS: The IGRA is useful for diagnosing TRU in the Korean population, especially when it is used as a screening test. Clinical characteristics, including younger age (< or =40 years), posterior uveitis, and retinal vasculitis in IGRA-positive patients, increase the likelihood of the patient having TRU.

Tuberculose intraocular / Intraocular tuberculosis

A Tuberculose (TB) é uma doença infecciosa causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), que acomete principalmente os pulmões. Ela pode acometer qualquer parte do olho, porém o local mais acometido é a úvea. A incidência de envolvimento de TB ocular e em outros sítios é de 1 por cento a 2 por cento. Alguns autores descrevem várias alterações intraoculares, tendo apresentações clínicas das mais variadas, uveíte anterior, posterior, intermediária e panuveíte. Nesta revisão iremos tratar especificamente de TB intraocular, discutindo sobre as diversas manifestações, diagnóstico e tratamento.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which attacks mainly the lungs. This disease can also attack any part of the eye; however, the more attacked ocular site is the uvea. The incidence of involvement of ocular and other sites TB is of 1 percent to 2 percent. Some authors describe several intraocular alterations, presenting the most varied clinical presentations, such as anterior, posterior, and intermediate uveitis, as well as panuveitis. In this revision, we will approach specifically the intraocular TB, discussing about its different manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Utility of QuantiFERON TB gold test in a south Indian patient population of ocular inflammation.

Aim: To study the utility of interferon-γ release assays (QuantiFERON TB gold test) in a south Indian patient population of intraocular inflammation. Design: Evaluation of a diagnostic test- a pilot study from January 2007 to October 2008. Materials and Methods: QuantiFERON TB gold test was performed on the following groups of patients following an informed consent. Group A included healthy volunteers without any exposure to tuberculosis (TB) or past history of TB (n=22). Group B included patients with active systemic TB diagnosed by the demonstration of acid-fast bacilli or by the histopathology finding of caseation with granuloma formation from the sputum, lymph node, skin or intestinal biopsies (n=26). Group C included patients with uveitis of known etiologies other than intraocular TB without any history of exposure to active TB (n=21). Group D included patients with a diagnosis of presumed intraocular TB, who responded to antitubercular therapy by decreased or no recurrences following treatment and with a minimum of nine months follow-up following initiation of antitubercular therapy (n=39). Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the QuantiFERON TB gold test to pick up active systemic TB was 58% and 77% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the QuantiFERON TB gold test to pickup intraocular TB was 82% and 76% respectively. Conclusions: QuantiFERON TB gold test alone may not be specific for intraocular TB. The significance of this test in a case scenario needs to be interpreted with clinical presentation and other evidences for intraocular TB.

Tuberculous uveitis

In recent years, ocular involvement due to TB has re-emerged. Tuberculous uveitis is a readily treatable disease and the consequences of delay in either ocular or systemic diagnosis can be very serious for the patient. It is important to have a high index of suspicion of the diagnosis in patient with unexplained chronic uveitis and this will be influenced by the socio-economic circumstances, family history, ethnic origin, and previous medical history of the patient. Treatment with antituberculous therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids resolves inflammation without recurrences after medical therapy

Tuberculous uveitis at a referral center in southeastern Brazil / Uveíte por tuberculose em um centro de referência no Sudeste do Brasil

OBJETIVO: Descrever a ocorrência de uveíte por tuberculose (UTB) em um centro de referência em Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Um total de 16 pacientes (idade > 15 anos) atendidos consecutivamente de janeiro de 2001 a julho de 2004 no Centro de Referência de Uveíte do Estado de Minas Gerais para avaliação diagnóstica de uveíte foi selecionado para este estudo. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos, assim como dados sobre avaliação para toxoplasmose, sífilis e doenças reumatológicas, teste tuberculínico e sorologia anti-HIV. RESULTADOS: Dos 16 pacientes, 11 (69 por cento) tinham UTB. História prévia de contato com tuberculose pulmonar foi relatada por 72 por cento (8/11) dos pacientes do grupo com UTB e por 20 por cento (1/5) dos pacientes do grupo sem UTB. Embora a razão de chances para essa associação tenha sido de 10,67 (IC95 por cento: 0,59-398,66), o valor de p apresentou significância limítrofe (0,078). Não houve diferença quanto ao quadro ocular inflamatório e ao resultado do teste tuberculínico entre os pacientes com UTB e os sem UTB. Todos os pacientes tinham sorologia negativa para o HIV e foram acompanhados por 2 anos. CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, a história prévia de contato com tuberculose pulmonar foi de grande ajuda para o diagnóstico da UTB.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of tuberculous uveitis (TBU) at a referral center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 16 consecutive patients (>15 years of age) who underwent diagnostic evaluation of uveitis between January of 2001 and July of 2004 at the Minas Gerais State Referral Center were selected for study. Demographic and clinical data, as well as data related to screening for toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and rheumatologic diseases, together with the results of tuberculin skin testing and HIV testing, were collected. RESULTS: Of the16 patients evaluated, 11 (69 percent) were found to have TBU. A history of contact with pulmonary tuberculosis was reported by 8 (72 percent) of the 11 patients with TBU and by 1 (20 percent) of the 5 with non-TBU. Although the odds ratio for this association was 10.67 (95 percent CI: 0.59-398.66), the p value was borderline significant (p = 0.078). There was no difference between the patients with TBU and those with non-TBU in terms of the status of ocular inflammation or the tuberculin skin testing results. All of the patients were HIV negative and were monitored for two years. CONCLUSION: In this study, a history of contact with pulmonary tuberculosis proved to be useful in diagnosing TBU.

A Case of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy and Choroidal Tuberculous Granuloma Associated with Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis

We report a rare case of oculomotor nerve palsy and choroidal tuberculous granuloma associated with tuberculous meningoencephalitis. A 15-year-old male visited our hospital for an acute drop of the left eyelid and diplopia. He has been on anti-tuberculous drugs (isoniazid, rifampin) for 1 year for his tuberculous encephalitis. A neurological examination revealed a conscious clear patient with isolated left oculomotor nerve palsy, which manifested as ptosis, and a fundus examination revealed choroidal tuberculoma. Other anti-tuberculous drugs (pyrazinamide, ethambutol) and a steroid (dexamethasone) were added. After 3 months on this medication, ptosis of the left upper eyelid improved and the choroidal tuberculoma decreasedin size, but a right homonymous visual field defect remained. When a patient with tuberculous meningitis presents with abrupt onset oculomotor nerve palsy, rapid re-diagnosis should be undertaken and proper treatment initiated, because the prognosis is critically dependent on the timing of adequate treatment.

Ophthalmoscopy in the early diagnosis of opportunistic tuberculosis following renal transplant.

Chronic renal failure is a common sequel of renal inflammatory disease or diabetes mellitus. As a result of the immunosuppression that is induced by uremia, hemodialysis or posttransplant immunosuppressive medication, these patients are at a higher risk of opportunistic infections. Various viral, bacterial and mycobacterial infections have been reported. Tuberculosis is a common systemic opportunistic infection but reports of ocular involvement with pulmonary or disseminated tuberculosis are rare. We report the systemic and ocular findings in two postrenal-transplant patients with pulmonary or disseminated tuberculosis in whom detection of choroidal tubercles led to confirmation of the diagnosis in both patients and was the only specific premortem finding in one. Fundoscopy in this group of patients may help in the diagnosis of opportunistic tuberculosis, its earlier treatment and the consequent reduction of morbidity and mortality.

Tuberculosis ocular / Ocular tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered a public health problem in several countries. This disease is classified as either pulmonary or extrapulmonary. Within the extrapulmonary disease, ocular involvement is uncommon but it is important to recognize it because its incidence has been reported up to 1 percent. Ocular TB cases can be divided in primary and secondary. These manifestations can be caused by an active infection that invades the eye or by an immunologic reaction of delayed hypersensitivity in absence of the infectious agent. The most common clinical presentations are: chronic anterior uveitis, choroiditis and sclerokeratitis. Despite the existence of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques, the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis continues to be presumptive, based upon clinical presentation, systemic evaluation and response to treatment. For the treatment we use four drugs during a two month period (isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) and two drugs for four additional months.

La tuberculosis (TBC) es considerada un problema de salud pública en varios países del mundo. Esta enfermedad se clasifica en pulmonar y extra pulmonar. Dentro de la forma extra pulmonar, el compromiso ocular es poco común, pero es importante conocerlo ya que su incidencia puede llegar hasta 1 por ciento. Los casos de TBC ocular se dividen en primarios y secundarios. Las manifestaciones oculares pueden ser causadas por una infección activa que invade el ojo o por una reacción inmunológica de hipersensibilidad retardada, en ausencia del agente infeccioso. Las presentaciones más comunes son: uveítis anterior crónica, coroiditis y esclero-queratitis. A pesar de la existencia de herramientas moleculares altamente sensibles, el diagnóstico de TBC ocular continúa siendo presuntivo, basándose en la presentación clínica, evaluación sistémica y la respuesta terapéutica. Para el tratamiento se utilizan cuatro fármacos por dos meses (isoniacida, rifampicina, pirazinamida y etambutol) y dos fármacos por cuatro meses adicionales.

Tumor vasoproliferativo associado à tuberculose ocular presumida: relato de caso / Vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis: case report

OBJETIVO: Descrever um caso de tumor vasoproliferativo associado à tuberculose ocular tratado com crioterapia e injeção de triancinolona intravítrea. DESENHO DO ESTUDO/PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Relato de caso intervencional. Paciente do sexo feminino, 42 anos, referia inflamação do olho direito havia 1 ano, não diagnosticada, tratada com prednisona oral por 30 dias. Relatava baixa visão com o olho direito (OD) desde a infância. Negava antecedentes pessoais e familiares. Ao exame ocular, apresentava acuidade visual menor que 20/400 com o OD. Não apresentava alterações à biomicroscopia e a pressão intra-ocular era normal em ambos os olhos. A fundoscopia do OD mostrava lesão vascularizada, elevada, associada ao descolamento seroso e exsudatos duros, localizada na periferia inferior da retina. A lesão era cercada por extensa área de pontos de hiperplasia do epitélio pigmentar. A mácula apresentava diminuição do reflexo foveal. No exame de ultra-som ocular, a lesão apresentava altura igual a 2,25mm e consistência sugestiva de lesão vascularizada. Foram solicitados exames sorológicos, hemograma, RX tórax e PPD. Os exames foram normais, com exceção do PPD, considerado forte reator. A paciente foi encaminhada ao infectologista, que diagnosticou tuberculose após exame de pesquisa de BK no escarro. Em face do quadro clínico, foi feito o diagnóstico de tumor vasoproliferativo da retina associado à tuberculose ocular presumida. Iniciou-se o tratamento com esquema tríplice (rifampicina, isoniazida e piridoxina). Optou-se por tratar o tumor com crioterapia e injeção intravítrea de triancinolona (4 mg/ml). Após 30 dias, a paciente apresentava diminuição do descolamento seroso e áreas atróficas na lesão tumoral. O aspecto angiofluoresceinográfico mostrava algumas áreas de enchimento precoce da trama vascular com discreto extravasamento tardio do contraste, sem áreas de oclusão capilar. A maior parte da lesão apresentava hipofluorescência por bloqueio (proliferação...

PURPOSE: To describe a case of vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis treated with cryotherapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND METHODS: Interventional case report. A 42-year-old female patient reported inflammation of the right eye 1 year ago, treated with oral prednisone for 30 days. She referred blurred vision in the right eye since childhood. Ophthalmologic examination showed 20/400 visual acuity in the right eye. Biomicroscopy and intraocular pressure were normal. Fundus examination showed vascularized elevated lesion, associated with serous retinal detachment and hard exudates at the inferior periphery. The lesion was surrounded by extensive area of hyperplastic retinal pigment epithelium. The macula showed attenuation of the foveal reflex. Ocular ultrasound showed a 2.25 mm height vascularized lesion. Serologic examination, hemogram and thorax RX were normal. PPD was considered strong reactor and tuberculosis was diagnosed after positive BK research. Considering the clinical aspects, the ocular diagnosis was vasoproliferative tumor associated with presumed ocular tuberculosis. Treatment with rifampicin, isoniazide and pyridoxine was started. We decided to treat the ocular tumor with cryotherapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection (4 mg/ml). After 30 days, serous detachment was smaller and the tumor showed atrophic areas. Fluorescein angiography showed areas of vascular hyperfluorescence with slight extravasation and areas of blocked fluorescence due to RPE hyperplasia. Secondary vasoproliferative tumors are retinal glial proliferations and are associated with many ocular conditions that affect retina and choroid. Because of the great number of associated complications, with important visual loss, vasoproliferative tumors should be treated at the moment of diagnosis. Treatment of choice is cryotherapy. Intravitreal triamcinolone can be used as adjuvant treatment...

Fundus fluorescein angiography of choroidal tubercles: case reports and review of literature.

The aim of this communication was to report the fundus fluorescein angiography findings in three patients with choroidal tubercles. In all cases, there was a marked peritubercular inflammation. The tubercles themselves showed an initial hypofluorescence or minimal hyperfluorescence that increased in the late phases. Clinicians need to be familiar with these new findings as they may help in the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis.

Tubercular dacryoadenitis--a case report and review of literature.

A case of a 56 year old lady presenting clinically with a slow growing painless mass of the left lacrimal gland, the histopathplogical examination of which was consistent with a diagnosis of tubercular dacryoadenitis, is described. Tubercular dacryoadenitis is uncommon, with the diagnosis usually made on histological examination of the lacrimal gland. Other cases of tubercular dacryoadenitis reported in literature are also reviewed.

Alterações oculares em pacientes com tuberculose / Ocular manifestation in patients with tuberculosis

OBJETIVO: Analisar os achados clínicos da tuberculose ocular e seus aspectos epidemiológicos. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados prontuários médicos de pacientes que foram atendidos no Departamento de Oftalmologia - setor de Uveíte e AIDS da Unifesp-EPM, São Paulo, Brasil, entre janeiro de 1999 e julho de 2002 e que tiveram diagnóstico de tuberculose ocular. Foram inclusos os pacientes que apresentaram PPD forte reator, epidemiologia positiva para tuberculose e lesão ocular que melhorou com tratamento específico. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados prontuários médicos de 17 pacientes, sendo 12 (70,6 por cento) do sexo feminino. A idade média foi de 54 (24-84) anos. O tempo médio entre o início dos sintomas e a primeira consulta foi de 100 dias. Os achados oculares foram inespecíficos nesta ocasião mas prevaleceram as alterações de segmento anterior e 41 por cento dos pacientes apresentavam sinais de tuberculose sistêmica. Alterações como glaucoma, descolamento de retina e hemorragia vítrea foram responsáveis pela redução da acuidade visual. CONCLUSÃO: Embora pouco prevalente, a tuberculose ocular apresenta morbidade elevada. A inespecificidade da apresentação clínica da doença ocular pode atrasar o seu diagnóstico.

Bilateral ocular scrofuloderma with orbital tuberculosis.

Ocular scrofuloderma with orbital tuberculosis is a rarely described presentation of childhood tuberculosis. Bilateral involvement has not been reported earlier in the medical literature. Here is reported a 3-year-old boy who presented with bilateral infraorbital swellings of tubercular etiology. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the upper face revealed enhancing soft tissue lesions in both the lower lids of the eyes, with extraconal extension into the orbits and with erosion of the right zygomatic bone. Tubercular etiology was confirmed by the Ziehl Neelsen staining of the aspirate from the lesion, which was positive for acid-fast bacilli and growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the aspirate culture. The patient showed marked improvement of his lesions on anti-tubercular treatment.

Application of nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) using MPB 64 gene primers to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in clinical specimens from extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The conventional culture technique for diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is time consuming. In order to find a sensitive and rapid technique nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the conserved MPB 64 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated for detection of M. tuberculosis DNA directly from clinical specimens of extrapulmonary origin. METHODS: A total of 400 clinical specimens from clinically suspected cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and 30 control specimens of nontuberculous aetiology were processed by smear and culture and by nPCR technique for detection of M. tuberculosis. The specimens were divided into 3 groups, (group I--280 specimens [104 peritoneal fluid (PF), 120 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 44 lymph node biopsies 3 pericardial fluid and 9 other biopsy specimens], group II--120 aqueous humour (AH) from idiopathic granulomatous uveitis cases, and group III--30 control specimens (10 CSF and 20AH). RESULTS: The conventional culture was positive only in 16 of 400 specimens. The overall positivity of nPCR was 35.2 per cent (141/400). Among the 280 specimens from extrapulmonary lesions (group I), 15 were bacteriologically positive, while 115 of 265 bacteriologically negative specimens (43.4%) were positive by nPCR. All the 30 control specimens were negative by nPCR. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The nPCR using MPB64 gene primers might be a rapid and reliable diagnostic technique for detection of M. tuberculosis genome in clinically suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis specimens, as compared to the conventional techniques.