Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography findings in ocular and non-ocular Behҫet’s disease

Abstract

Aim of the workThis study aimed at early detection of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) findings and optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes denoting active posterior uveitis in Behçet’s Disease (BD) patients before they are clinically evident. Patients and methodsThis study included 50 BD patients subgrouped according to ocular involvement into ocular and non-ocular Behçet patients. All patients underwent thorough ophthalmological examination. Fundus examination was done to detect signs of intermediate and/or posterior uveitis. OCT conventional and enhanced depth techniques were used for assessment of the macular area and choroidal thickness respectively. FFA was done for assessment of retinal vasculature. ResultsThe mean age of the BD patients was 33.26 ± 7.3 years, the disease duration was 8.34 ± 6.6 years and they were 38 males and 12 females. In non-ocular Behçet (n = 25; 49 eyes), 26.5% of eyes showed FFA changes. The mean age at diagnosis in patients showing FFA changes was significantly lower than in those showing no changes (21.08 ± 2.8 years versus 26.53 ± 6.8 years, p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in choroidal thickness between ocular and non-ocular patients (341.4 ± 84.2µ vs 334.24 ± 56.42µ; p = 0.12). In ocular BD (n = 25; 45 eyes: 23 inactive and 22 active) the mean choroidal thickness in patients with uveitic activity was significantly higher than in those with inactivity (377.1 ± 102.9µ versus 307.2 ± 39.9µ, p < 0.0001). ConclusionFFA and OCT are essential and complementary tools for early detection of ocular involvement even before it is clinically evident and for evaluation of the pattern of retinal and choroidal involvement and complications in BD patients.