Orbital tuberculoma masquerading as an orbital malignancy.

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.