Adamantiades-Behcet disease: diagnosis and current concepts in management of ocular manifestations.

Abstract

Adamantiades-Behcet disease is a relapsing systemic vasculitis that may involve the eyes, skin, and almost all other organ systems. The comprehensive ophthalmologist plays a key role by not only making the diagnosis but also by monitoring inflammatory status to guide systemic therapy. If left untreated, the disease has a high likelihood of causing blindness and death. Adamantiades-Behcet disease with retinal involvement is now considered an absolute indication for systemic immunomodulatory therapy. The diagnostic signs, potential complications, and treatment modalities currently available for ocular Adamantiades-Behcet disease are reviewed.