A Case of Improved Refractory Uveitis in Behçet’s Disease after Infliximab Therapy

Abstract

Behçet's disease is a multisystemic, chronic relapsing inflammatory disease characterized by vasculitides, mucocutaneous lesions, thrombophlebitis, arthritis. Among them, the ocular involvement is usual (50∼70%) and the most serious morbidity is blindness (20∼25% of those of affected). Immunosuppressive treatment is currently the main therapy in chronic relapsing uveitis, but many patients experience recurrent sight-threatening uveitis. T lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of uveitis by releasing cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. There are some reports that the anti-TNFα treatment is effective in refractory Behçet's uveitis, but it has not been reported in Korea. We report a case of refractory uveitis in Behçet's disease which is improved after anti-TNFα therapy.