The ocular manifestations of Behcet's disease
D. M. Colvard, D. M. Robertson and J. D. O'Duffy
Of 32 patients with Behcet's disease, 21 had uveitis. The uveitis was
seldom the initial manifestation of systemic disease, but once established,
it tended to become chronic and bilateral, involving the anterior and
posterior segments. Hypopyon was a relatively uncommon occurrence in this
series. All patients with uveal inflammation had obvious cellular reactions
within the vitreous body. Other posterior segment manifestations of the
disease included localized retinal edema, macular edema, disc edema,
retinal pigmentary changes, and accumulation of exudative material in the
deep retina. One patient developed a necrotizing retinitis with deep
retinal exudation and subsequent retinal detachment. Occlusions of retinal
vessels were common. Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of Behcet's
disease included cranial nerve palsies, a homonymous hemianopic field
defect, and papillitis.
