Isolated conjunctival ulcerations as the first sign of Behets disease.

PURPOSE

To report an unusual incident of isolated conjunctival ulcerations which preceded all other signs of Behets disease.

METHODS

Description of a 34-year-old woman of West Indian origin with an unremarkable medical history presenting with bilateral bulbar conjunctival ulcerations.

RESULTS

The authors noted the presence of a diffuse bilateral conjunctival hyperemia which was more pronounced at the temporal bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye and the nasal conjunctiva of the left eye, each having one ulceration. The rest of the ophthalmologic examination was normal. One month later, the appearance of buccogenital aphthosis led to the diagnosis of Behets disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This observation is unusual, as the conjunctival ulcerations are isolated and precede the onset of all other symptoms of Behets disease. Conjunctival ulcerations are rarely seen with Behets disease, but are characteristic enough to be included among the diagnostic criteria.