Role of Ultra-Wide Field Imaging in the Management of Tubercular Posterior Uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the utility of ultra-wide field (UWF) versus conventional fundus imaging in the management of tubercular (TB) posterior uveitis.

Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients (33 eyes) diagnosed with TB posterior uveitis in a tertiary care center who underwent UWF fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA) between July 2014 and March 2015 were included. Complete clinical and imaging records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. A circle simulating the central 75-degree field was drawn on UWF pseudocolor and fluorescein angiography images. Findings within the circle were compared with the information yielded by the complete image and its impact on patient management was noted.

Results: The clinical manifestations of posterior tubercular uveitis included retinal vasculitis (17 eyes), multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis (13 eyes), choroidal granulomas (2 eyes) and intermediate uveitis (1 eye). UWF imaging revealed additional capillary non-perfusion areas, neovascularization, active vasculitis, and peripheral choroiditis lesions in 30/33 eyes (90.9%), which influenced treatment decision in 15 eyes (45.5%).

Conclusions: UWF imaging is useful in the detection of peripheral pathologies in tubercular posterior uveitis that may influence management decisions, such as addition of immunosuppressive therapy or scatter laser photocoagulation.

Keywords: Retinal vasculitis; TB uveitis; serpiginous-like choroiditis; ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography.