A Case of Bilateral Orbital Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Periocular tuberculosis is common in the form of conjunctival tuberculosis or uveitis; however, orbital tuberculosis is very rare. We report a case of tuberculosis diagnosed based on bilateral orbital masses. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old male with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with diplopia. His best-corrected visual acuity was 1.0, and intraocular pressure was 16 mmHg in both eyes. Bilateral proptosis was noted, and inferior orbital masses were palpated in both eyes. On orbital computed tomography, irregular masses were surrounding both globes in the extraconal space. Incisional biopsy of the bilateral orbital masses was performed under local anesthesia. Pathologic examination revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation accompanied by caseous necrosis. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral orbital tuberculosis and underwent triple therapy with isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol for 12 months. The orbital masses completely resolved, and there was no recurrence or complication through 12 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, bilateral orbital tuberculosis has not been reported yet. Herein, we report a case of orbital tuberculosis presenting as bilateral orbital masses.