Primary maxillo-orbital tuberculosis

Abstract

Maxilla-orbital tuberculosis is rare and may be regarded as a manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis or a primary disease. A retrospective case report and review of the literature. A biopsy of the tissue was sent to a histopathologist who confirmed tubercular lesion, with acid-fast bacilli stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen method and a tuberculin test done to confirm the diagnosis with weak positive. Also, we have done an immunological test to exclude the autoimmune diseases, such as Wegener′s granulomatosis (the test was negative). Moreover, urine analysis and Ca+ in urine were negative that excluded the autoimmune diseases such as Wegener′s granulomatosis and sarcoidosis. A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test was negative. Maxilla-orbital tuberculosis can be primary or secondary, irrespective of the immune status of the host. Clinical suspicion is important when a patient presents with unusual clinical features and it mimics acute exacerbation of chronic sinusitis with orbital complication.