Macular ischaemia in Behçet's disease

Eye (Lond). 2000 Oct:14 Pt 5:717-20. doi: 10.1038/eye.2000.190.

Abstract

Purpose: To report macular ischaemia and visual loss in patients with panuveitis due to Behçet's disease.

Methods: We describe macular ischaemia, a rare finding, in 3 eyes of 3 patients with panuveitis who were diagnosed and treated as having Behçet's disease. The patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) using a digital imaging system and were treated with topical and oral steroids and cyclosporine in 2 cases, and with added azathioprine in the third case.

Results: The 3 eyes showed macular ischaemia associated with peripheral retinal vasculitis on FFA and control of inflammation was achieved in all cases. After an average of 2 years follow-up, visual acuity and macular ischaemia improved in 2 eyes, while no recovery was seen in the third.

Conclusion: The presence of macular ischaemia on FFA in Behçet's disease is a predictor of poor visual outcome. Macular ischaemia may show partial recovery with the treatment of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications
  • Behcet Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / complications
  • Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Macula Lutea / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panuveitis / complications
  • Panuveitis / diagnosis