Acquired abducens nerve palsy secondary to tuberculosis.
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis is a serious, and unfortunately common, infectious disease caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The incidence, mortality, and physical/ophthalmologic effects are well documented. Although most common ophthalmologic findings include optic neuropathy and uveitis, cranial nerve palsies may also present secondary to intracranial inflammation.


METHODS
A 17-year-old Somalian girl was referred to the eye clinic with the chief concern of intermittent diplopia and headaches. Although monocular visual acuity was excellent, ocular positioning tests confirmed a subtle abduction deficit of the right eye. Medical history was remarkable for active tuberculosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculosis is a mediating factor for abducens nerve palsy in children. Understanding the relationship between the disease process and ocular ramifications is imperative for competent management.
Smith
Daniel E
DE
Department of Pediatrics, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee 38104, USA. dsmith@sco.edu
Blasi
Ashley
A
D020434:Abducens Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014392:Tuberculosis, Ocular / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy
D000995:Antitubercular Agents