Behçet's Disease Uveitis

Abstract

Uveitis in Behçet's disease (BD) is frequent (40% of cases) and is a major cause of morbidity. The age of onset of uveitis is between 20 and 30 years. Ocular involvement includes anterior, posterior, or panuveitis. Uveitis may be the first sign of the disease in 20% of cases or it may appear 2 or 3 years after the first symptoms. Panuveitis is the most common presentation and is more commonly found in men. Bilateralization usually occurs on average 2 years after the first symptoms. The estimated risk of blindness at 5 years is 10-15%. BD uveitis has several ophthalmological features that distinguish it from other uveitis. The main goals in the management of patients are the rapid resolution of intraocular inflammation, the prevention of recurrent attacks, the achievement of complete remission, and the preservation of vision. Biologic therapies have changed the management of intraocular inflammation. The aim of this review is to provide an update to a previous article by our team on pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and the therapeutic strategy of BD uveitis.

Keywords: Behçet’s disease; anti TNF-α agents; biotherapies; uveitis; vasculitis.

Figure 1

Summary of clinical manifestations in Behçet’s disease (extracted from French recommendations for the management of Behçet’s disease. Kone-Paut, I. et al. (2018) [7]).

Figure 2

Management of uveitis in Behçet’s disease (extracted from the French recommendations for the management of Behçet’s disease. Kone-Paut, I. et al. [7]).