Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Behcet Disease
- Author: Mounir Bashour, MD, CM, FRCS(C), PhD, FACS; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Background
Behçet disease is a systemic disorder characterized by recurrent aphthous ulcers and intraocular inflammation. The clinical triad of uveitis with recurrent oral and genital ulcers bears the name of Hulusi Behçet, a Turkish dermatologist who described 3 patients who had this triad.
The Behçet's Disease Research Committee of the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan first proposed formal diagnostic criteria in 1972. This set of criteria, which has been used throughout the world, classifies disease findings into 4 major criteria and 5 minor criteria. When all 4 major criteria are met, the disease is said to be of the complete type, whereas the incomplete type consists of various combinations of major and minor criteria, with added weight given to ocular disease.
In 1990, The International Study Group for Behçet's Disease proposed a separate set of diagnostic criteria for Behçet disease. Based on these criteria, a diagnosis of Behçet disease requires recurrent oral ulceration and at least 2 additional criteria, including recurrent genital ulcers, ocular lesions, skin lesions, and a positive pathergy test.
Other eMedicine articles on Behçet disease include Behcet disease (Dermatology) and Behcet disease (Rheumatology).
Pathophysiology
The cause and the pathogenesis of Behçet disease remain unknown, but the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) pathway is likely involved in the pathophysiology of Behçet disease. The frequency of the R92Q TNFRSF1A mutation in patients with Behçet disease is significantly higher than that in control subjects (P = .006 by the Fisher exact test) and is associated with an increased risk of extracranial venous thrombosis.
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
The prevalence of Behçet disease is estimated to be only 1 case per 300,000 persons per year.
In a university hospital setting, Behçet disease was responsible for 12-20% of cases of uveitis in Japan, compared with only 0.2-0.4% in the United States.
International
Behçet disease occurs worldwide, with a predominance among Asians, North Africans, and Europeans who live between the latitudes of 30-45°N.
Behçet disease is one of the main causes of endogenous uveitis in Japan and Turkey, with prevalence rates of 1 case per 10,000 population and 8-30 cases per 10,000 population, respectively.
Race
The prevalence of Behçet disease exhibits a strong geographic variation and has a unique geographic distribution, being most prevalent along the ancient Silk Road linking Rome with China, which was used for centuries as a trade passage.[1]
The prevalence of Behçet disease is highest in Turkey, in the countries bordering the Mediterranean, in the Mideast, in the Far East, and in Japan, where it is 1 case per 1000 population.
Behçet disease occurs less frequently in northern Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The prevalence of Behçet disease in African Americans is 1 case per 100,000 population.
Sex
The male-to-female ratio varies with ethnic origin; androtropism is still observed in Arabian countries, with a ratio of 2.3:1, whereas female predominance is seen in some European countries and in the United States.[1]
Age
The mean age at onset is in the third decade of life. However, when Behçet disease occurs in males aged 15-25 years, it takes a more serious form.
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