Choroidal Tubercles, an Ocular Presentation in Tuberculosis- a Retrospective Observational Hospital-based Study

Aim: To find the prevalence of choroidal tubercles in tuberculosis patients.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of infectious cause of death especially in endemic countries. Tuberculosis infection spreads hematogenously from primary infection site to rest of the body. Ocular presentation manifests in the form of choroidal tubercles being the most common fundus change.

Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, observational hospital-based study. Total 100 tuberculosis patients were studied and their data were collected from Hospital record system from February 2020 to March 2021. Fundus examinations were reviewed and most common ocular presentation was found to be choroidal tubercles.

Observations and Results: During the study period, out of 100 patients, 60% were females and 40% were males. Fundus changes were present in 14% patients and these were choroidal tubercles in 12% patients and papillitis in 2%. Choroidal tubercles were present in 7 females and 5 males.

Conclusion: We concluded that choroidal tubercles is one of the most common form of ocular tuberculosis. Detection of choroidal inflammation can prevent visual loss as the ocular lesion resolves fully with timely management.