Prevalence and Characteristics of Ocular and Systemic Manifestations in Iraqi Patients with Behçet’s Disease

This prospective study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of ocular and systemic manifestations among Iraqi patients diagnosed with Behçet’s disease. Patients underwent comprehensive evaluations, including HLA-B51 and Pathergy tests.

The study enrolled patients diagnosed with Behçet’s disease, who were examined at the Ophthalmology Department of Baghdad Medical City between November 2019 and September 2022. Examinations included slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Additionally, patients underwent HLA-B51 and pathergy testing.

Out of the 76 patients enrolled, ocular involvement was observed in 50 patients (66%). Specifically, 48% presented with anterior uveitis, 40% with vitritis, 8% with retinitis, 34% with retinal vasculitis, and 8% with papillitis. Systemic involvement was prevalent, with 100% exhibiting oral ulceration, 74% genital ulceration, 50% arthritis, 16% skin lesions, 8% venous complications (such as DVT), and 4% gastrointestinal ulceration. HLA-B51 tested positive in 54% of patients, while the pathergy test yielded positive results in 36%.

Non-granulomatous anterior uveitis (48%) and vitritis (40%) emerge as the most prevalent ocular manifestations in Iraqi patients with Behçet’s disease. Oral (100%) and genital (74%) ulceration stand out as the predominant systemic features.