Demographic, clinical, and ocular features in patients with late-onset Behçet disease

To evaluate demographic, clinical, and ocular features of patients with late-onset Behçet disease (BD).

The study included 26 patients with late-onset BD. Onset of their first symptoms was before age 40. They fulfilled the diagnostic criteria after age 40. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 had uveitis and group 2 had no uveitis. Clinical and demographic features of the groups were compared. Ocular manifestations in group 1 were also evaluated.

Fourteen patients (53.8%) had uveitis and 12 patients (46.2%) had no ocular involvement. The incidence of genital ulcer was higher in group 1. Twelve patients (18 eyes) had anterior uveitis and 2 patients (4 eyes) had panuveitis. The incidence of anterior uveitis was higher in females. The incidence of panuveitis was higher in males.

As compared to potentially devastating posterior uveitis, anterior uveitis is more often encountered in patients with late-onset BD. Hence, with respect to ocular involvement, the prognosis is better.