Bilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in Behçet Disease.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral central retinal artery occlusion as the primary ocular manifestation of Behçet disease.

METHODS

A 38-year-old patient, with no history of previous ocular complaints, admitted with bilateral sudden vision loss. His ophthalmologic examination revealed a visual acuity of no light perception in both eyes and the diagnosis of bilateral central retinal artery occlusion. A detailed systemic investigation was conducted.

RESULTS

With the history of recurrent oral and genital ulcers, and the presence of ocular and skin findings, the diagnosis of Behçet disease was made. Despite a potent immunosuppressive therapy the patient became absolutely blind.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though retinal arteries are rarely affected in Behçet disease, in the cases of retinal artery occlusion, it should be considered among the differential diagnosis. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of bilateral central retinal artery occlusion as the primary ocular manifestation of Behçet disease.