P K Chin1, M B Jacobs, S J Hing. 1. Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. tanjk@pc.jaring.my
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Orbital tuberculosis is exceedingly rare in areas where tuberculosis is non-endemic. A case of childhood orbital tuberculosis is reported, which the authors believe to be the first reported case of orbital tuberculosis in the Australasian region. METHODS/ RESULTS: The patient a 6-year-old boy presented with proptosis and was initially mistaken to have an orbital malignancy. Treatment with antituberculous drugs resulted in resolution of the condition. CONCLUSION: This case served as a timely reminder of the need to keep awareness of the extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis alive even in developed countries. A high index of suspicion for this eminently treatable disease in the appropriate clinical situation is particularly important when migrant communities from high-prevalence areas are involved.
BACKGROUND:Orbital tuberculosis is exceedingly rare in areas where tuberculosis is non-endemic. A case of childhood orbital tuberculosis is reported, which the authors believe to be the first reported case of orbital tuberculosis in the Australasian region. METHODS/ RESULTS: The patient a 6-year-old boy presented with proptosis and was initially mistaken to have an orbital malignancy. Treatment with antituberculous drugs resulted in resolution of the condition. CONCLUSION: This case served as a timely reminder of the need to keep awareness of the extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis alive even in developed countries. A high index of suspicion for this eminently treatable disease in the appropriate clinical situation is particularly important when migrant communities from high-prevalence areas are involved.