Primary orbital tuberculosis on the lower eyelid with cold abscess

Abstract

Orbital tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, even in endemic areas. It may involve the soft tissue, lacrimal gland, periosteum, or bones of the orbital wall. We present a case of orbital tuberculosis on the lower eyelid. An 18-year-old woman with no underlying disease visited our clinic for evaluation of an oval nodule (1.5 × 1.2 cm) on the right lower eyelid. Incision and drainage without biopsy was performed 2 months ago in ophthalmology department, but the periorbital mass had deteriorated, as the patient had erythematous swelling, tenderness, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Visual acuity was normal; there were no signs of proptosis, diplopia, or oph-thalmoplegia. Computed tomography revealed a small abscess cavity without bony involvement. We performed an excision and biopsy through a percutaneous incision under local anesthesia. Histological examination revealed a granuloma and was diagnosed as orbital tuberculosis. The patient was additionally treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy for 6 months and recovered without complication or recurrence by 7 months. Orbital tuberculosis occurs in patients with or without associated pulmonary tuberculosis, and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with inflammatory orbital disease and an orbital mass. If recurrence occurs despite adequate initial treatment, we recommend an additional examination and excisional biopsy.