Peer Reviewed
Rheumatology clinic
Behçet’s disease: a rare vasculitis not to be missed
Recent articles on:
Behcet's syndrome
Behcet's syndrome
Abstract
A high index of suspicion for Behçet’s disease is needed because of the risk of multisystem involvement and potential catastrophic complications that may develop if the disease is left untreated.
Key Points
Behçet’s disease is a rare episodic, multisystem vasculitis characterised by recurrent oral and genital ulceration. First described by Hippocrates, it owes its name to the Turkish dermatologist Hulusi Behçet, who recognised the characteristic clinical triad of recurrent aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers and uveitis. However, as an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis, Behçet’s disease may involve many other organ systems, including joints, the nervous system, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Photo courtesy of the Behcet’s syndrome community on RareConnect: www.rareconnect.org/en/community/behcet-s-syndrome.
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