Role of the 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.