Increased corneal thickness in active Behçet's disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Autoimmune Disorders

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder.
• Ocular involvement is a common and potentially sight-threatening complication of BD.
• Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a key parameter in corneal health assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).
• To specifically assess CCT during active ocular involvement in BD.
• To compare CCT between active BD, inactive BD, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound pachymetry was used to measure CCT.
• The study included 64 patients with BD and 20 healthy controls.
• Patients were categorized into groups with active ocular involvement, inactive ocular involvement, and no ocular involvement.

Main Results:

• Mean CCT was significantly higher in patients with active ocular involvement (589 µm) compared to controls (553 µm) and other BD groups (p < 0.003).
• No significant difference in CCT was observed between controls and patients with inactive or no ocular involvement.
• Following treatment for active ocular involvement, mean CCT decreased to 563 µm, showing no significant difference from controls.

Conclusions:

• Active ocular involvement in Behçet's disease is associated with increased central corneal thickness.
• CCT measurement is a valuable tool for monitoring and managing ocular complications in BD.
• Therapeutic interventions can restore CCT to near-normal levels in active ocular BD.