BEHÇET’S DISEASE: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

BEHÇET’S DISEASE

Abstract

The rarity of Behçet’s disease in this environment may be due to its under-diagnosis. We report the presence of Behçet’s disease with ocular involvement in a Nigerian patient. He is a 30-year-old male patient who presented with gradual deterioration of vision in both eyes of seven-month duration. There was a history of recurrent episodes of oral ulcers which had begun a year before presentation. With each episode, ulcers were noticed to last about 2-3 weeks in each instance and then spontaneously resolved. The visual acuity using Snellen’s chart showed count fingers and hand movement in the right and left eye respectively. The conjunctiva was mildly hyperaemic in both eyes, few keratic precipitates were seen on the cornea endothelium, the anterior chamber had a flare of 2+ in the eyes, posterior synechiae and posterior subcapsular cataract seen in both eyes. An initial assessment of inflammatory eye disease was made. At the follow-up visit which was about 2 weeks interval, more history was obtained and the Pathergy test was positive. Based on this additional information, a diagnosis of Behçet’s disease was made according to the international study group for Behçet’s disease. The patient was placed on topical steroids, cycloplegics, and antibiotics in both eyes. He also had subtenon’s steroids and subconjunctival mydricaine. The patient was co-managed with the Rheumatologist. Increased awareness and suspicion are essential and Behçet’s disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe intraocular inflammation, especially with a history of oral ulcer.

Keywords: Behçet’s disease, ocular inflammation, oral ulcers