Behcet’s Disease

Behcet’s disease, also known as Behcet’s syndrome, is a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. This chronic disorder can lead to a variety of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.

Symptoms: Behcet’s disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation that can affect:

Mouth Sores: Painful ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals.
Genital Ulcers: Painful sores on the genitals or around the anus.
Skin Lesions: Pustules, nodules, or erythema nodosum (red tender lumps under the skin).
Eye Inflammation: Uveitis, which can cause redness, pain, and blurred vision.

Arthritis: Joint pain and swelling, often affecting the knees and ankles.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and occasionally intestinal ulcers.
Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, meningitis, or strokes in severe cases.

Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause of Behçet’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Certain genetic variations and immune system abnormalities are believed to contribute to the development of the disease. It typically affects individuals of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian descent, and onset is usually in young adulthood.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing Behçet’s disease can be challenging due to its diverse symptoms and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Diagnosis is based on a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and exclusion of other conditions. There are no specific laboratory tests for Behçet’s disease, but certain findings such as recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and eye inflammation can support the diagnosis.