Tuberculosis presenting to the uveitis clinic

Purpose The increase in systemic tuberculosis (TB) in the last decade is attributed to the increased incidence in the HIV-t population and to the inllux of immigrants from countries where the prevalence is high. This being the case, one would expect it to present more frequently to the ophthalmologist, therefore the diagnosis must be considered in all patients presenting wth uveitis. We documented the symptoms and signs of patients, seen between 1992-1996, who presented with varying manifestations of uveitis in whom tie diagnosis was ultimately systemic TB Methods The case notes of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and the findings documented. Results. All paient s presented with uveitis and had the diagnosis of systemic TB made requ ring oral treatment Presentations included, scleritis, vitreous haemorrhage, rethal vasculitis, iris bombe with chronic granulomatous anterior uveitis and choioida! infiltrates Conclusions. TB should be considered in immunocompetent patien's presenting to the uveitis clinic espccialk in the at risk populations.