Correlation between Fluorescein Angiographic Findings and Visual Acuity in Behcet Retinal Vasculitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify significant fluorescein angiographic (FA) characteristics associated with visual acuity (VA) in Behcet retinal vasculitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 86 eyes of 48 patients (age 35.6+/-10.2 years) with Behcet retinal vasculitis were performed. VA and FA findings as well as correlation between them were assessed. RESULTS: The mean initial VA of eyes with posterior pole-involved vasculitis (63 eyes; 73.3%) was significantly worse than that of those with peripheral vasculitis (23 eye; 26.7%) (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA 0.554+/-0.572 vs. 0.078+/-0.148; p<0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed a more severe and diffuse pattern of vascular leakage in posterior pole-involved vasculitis compared to peripheral vasculitis (p<0.0001). Retinal vascular leakage (beta=0.345; p<0.0001), optic disc hyperfluorescence (beta=0.147; p=0.032), and macular leakage (beta=0.107; p=0.047) were significantly associated with worse initial VA. During the follow up (mean 33.3+/-17.9 months), the change of leakage showed no significant correlation with change of VA in posterior pole-involved vasculitis (tau=0.199, p=0.092). CONCLUSION: Posterior pole involvement, the degree of retinal vascular leakage, optic disc hyperfluorescence, and macular leakage are significantly associated with VA in Behcet retinal vasculitis.