BEHÇET'S DISEASE: RHEUMATOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND OPHTHALMOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Behçet's disease is a rare condition of autoimmune origin, characterized by recurrent inflammation that can affect different parts of the body, including mucous membranes, skin, joints and, especially, the eyes. Rheumatological evaluation is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of Behçet's Disease, as it allows early identification of symptoms and the initiation of appropriate treatment to minimize complications. Ocular impairment, in particular, deserves special attention due to its potential impact on patients' quality of life. Objective: to synthesize the available evidence on rheumatological assessment and ophthalmological complications associated with Behçet's Disease. Methodology: To conduct this review, we followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We carried out searches in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: "Behçet's disease", "rheumatological evaluation", "ophthalmological complications", "diagnosis" and "treatment". Articles published in the last 10 years were included, that is, from 2013 to 2023). Inclusion Criteria: studies that investigated the clinical and rheumatological evaluation of patients with Behçet's Disease, research that addressed the ophthalmological complications associated with Behçet's Disease, articles that reported treatment strategies to prevent or treat the ophthalmological complications of the disease. Exclusion Criteria: studies that were not available in full text, articles whose main focus was not Behçet's Disease, studies with very small samples or isolated case reports. Results: this systematic review highlights that rheumatological evaluation is crucial for the early diagnosis and effective monitoring of Behçet's Disease. Furthermore, ophthalmological complications such as uveitis and retinal vasculitis are common in these patients and require immediate intervention to prevent vision loss. Several treatment strategies, including immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatories, have been studied to control symptoms and prevent ophthalmological complications. Conclusion: Behçet's disease is a complex autoimmune condition that involves rheumatological evaluation and rigorous ophthalmological care. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of early detection and appropriate management, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to provide patients with the best possible care. Understanding the diagnostic criteria and available therapeutic strategies is essential to improve the quality of life and preserve the vision of individuals affected by Behçet's Disease.