Role of computed chest tomography (CT scan) in tuberculous retinal vasculitis.

AIM

To compare computed chest tomography (chest CT) and routine chest X-rays for the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with presumed tuberculous retinal vasculitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case reports.

RESULTS

Three patients underwent a detailed workup for uveitis. Routine chest X-rays showed normal lung fields in all cases with abnormal hilar shadows in one case. Chest CT revealed the presence of active tuberculous mediastinitis in all three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Chest CT revealed the presence, dimensions, and activity of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy which routine chest X-rays were unable to detect. Thus, chest CT may be the preferred modality for pulmonary evaluation in these patients.