In Behcet's disease-associated uveitis, the characteristic retinal finding that distinguishes it from other forms of posterior uveitis is:

• A Periphlebitis ('candle wax drippings')
• B Snowbanking in the inferior vitreous
• C Multifocal choroiditis with punched-out lesions
• D Occlusive retinal vasculitis with vaso-occlusive retinal ischemia, particularly involving veins and arteries ✓

Explanation

Behcet's disease causes a distinctive occlusive retinal vasculitis affecting both veins and arteries (both retinal phlebitis and arteritis), leading to retinal ischemia, cotton wool spots, and neovascularization — distinguishing it from sarcoid (candle-wax drippings, venous sheathing only) and pars planitis (snowbanking). The retinal vasculitis in Behcet's can cause catastrophic visual loss from branch or central retinal vein/artery occlusions. Anti-TNF agents (adalimumab, infliximab) have changed the prognosis — they are now first-line for severe Behcet's uveitis per EULAR 2018 guidelines, replacing older immunosuppressants like azathioprine.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.