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.
Keywords: Anti-tubercular therapy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; choroidal granuloma; ocular tuberculosis; subretinal abscess.