Tanu O Thomas
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Ophthalmology - (Clinical Series Track)
Contact
Degrees
- M.D. Medicine
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, United States
- B.S. Zoology with honors
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
Work Experience
- Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (2015 - Ongoing)
- Kaiser Permanente (2011 - 2014)
Awards
- Board Member
- Arizona Ophthalmological Society, Spring 2023
- Fellow
- American Society of Retina Specialists, Winter 2021
Licensure & Certification
- License L4758, Texas Medical Board (2002)
- California Medical License A94942, California Medical Board (2006)
- Florida Medical License, Florida Medical Board (2012)
Interests
Teaching
diabetic retinopathy
Courses
No activities entered.
Scholarly Contributions
Journals/Publications
- Moore, S. M., McAllister, M. A., & Thomas, T. O. (2022). Rickettsia rickettsii infection as an unusual cause of pediatric retinitis: A case report. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports, 26(Issue). doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101566More infoPurpose: To report a case of infectious pediatric retinitis attributed to Rocky Mountain spotted fever which is rarely reported in the United States. Observations: A previously healthy 14-year-old male return traveler from Mexico was admitted to the pediatric ICU with septic shock and a diffuse rash. He subsequently complained of blurry vision and was found to have evidence of retinitis on exam. Infectious workup revealed high titers of rickettsial IgM and IgG antibodies. He was treated successfully with 14 days doxycycline and followed up in clinic with improvement in his visual complaints and retinitis. Conclusions and importance: Rickettsioses are worldwide endemic zoonotic infections caused by Gram negative obligate intracellular bacteria and spread to humans by infected ticks. Rickettsial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, are a cause of infectious retinitis, and atypical and zoonotic infections should remain on the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with rash, systemic illness, and visual complaints, even if the patient's travel or exposure history do not immediately suggest a likely rickettsial infection. In general, the ocular manifestations of rickettsial infection improve with systemic doxycycline treatment of the underlying infection.
- Fine, H. F., Kurup, S. K., & Thomas, T. (2017). Whether to Ignore the Macular Hole in a Uveitic Patient: A Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Elective Macular Surgery in a Challenging Population.. Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging retina, 48(12), 956-960. doi:10.3928/23258160-20171130-01
