Peripheral ulcerative keratitis with multiple punctate scleral abscess – A rare presentation of ocular tuberculosis

Abstract

This case report represents an unusual presentation of ocular tuberculosis (TB). Ocular TB is rare, but it can be the first clinical manifestation of the disease. Here, we report a case of a 67-year-old male, a chronic smoker who presented with pain, redness, and photophobia (BE), and slit-lamp examination showed multiple corneal infiltrate along the limbus with multiple scleral abscesses not responding to routine treatment. Investigations revealed high erythrocyte sedimentation rate value, positive Mantoux reaction, and changes on contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax. Sputum CBNAAT was negative, and pus aspirate revealed no growth with negative staining for acid-fast bacillus. With high suspicion of TB, we started on Anti tuberculosis therapy, and there was rapid healing of lesions. In endemic areas, even when microbiological studies are not positive, ocular TB should be kept in mind in atypical cases so that early treatment can be instituted to prevent serious complications.