Behçet's Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Behçet's Disease, also known as Behçet's Syndrome, is a rare and chronic condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. This systemic vasculitis can lead to a multitude of symptoms, making it a complex disease to diagnose and manage.

This autoimmune disorder primarily affects small to medium-sized blood vessels and can present a wide array of symptoms, often making it difficult to diagnose.

What is Behçet's Disease?

Behçet's Disease is a rare, chronic autoimmune condition that results in systemic inflammation. It is characterized by recurring mouth and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and eye inflammation. Behçet's Disease can also affect blood vessels, joints, the nervous system, and other organs. It is most diseases and can be commonly Treated in young adults between the ages of 20-40 and can cause long-term complications if left untreated.

Types of Behçet's Disease

Classical Behçet's Disease: The most common form affecting the eyes, mouth, and genitals.
Neurological Behçet's Disease: A rarer form that affects the nervous system.
Vascular Behçet's Disease: Affects the blood vessels and may lead to complications like blood clots or aneurysms.

Causes of Behçet's Disease

The exact cause of Behçet's Disease remains unknown, although it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Research suggests that individuals with specific genetic markers, such as HLA-B51, are more susceptible to developing the disease. However, it is essential to note that not everyone with these genetic markers will develop Behçet's Disease.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Symptoms of Behçet's Disease

Common symptoms of Behçet's Disease include:

Mouth ulcers (canker sores) that are painful and recurrent
Genital ulcers that can be painful and leave scars
Skin lesions such as acne-like bumps or red, inflamed patches
Eye problems, including uveitis or inflammation of the eye, can lead to blindness if untreated
Joint pain and inflammation
Fatigue and fever

Diagnosis of Behçet's Disease

Clinical Criteria

Diagnosing Behçet's Disease is challenging due to its diverse manifestations and overlap with other conditions. Physicians typically rely on clinical criteria, which include recurrent oral ulcers along with at least two additional symptoms, such as genital ulcers, eye inflammation, skin lesions, or a positive pathergy test.

Pathergy Test

The pathergy test involves pricking the skin with a sterile needle and observing the reaction. In individuals with Behçet's Disease, this test often results in the formation of a small red bump or pustule at the site of the needle prick.

Imaging and Laboratory Tests

To rule out other conditions and assess the extent of the disease, doctors may use imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans and laboratory tests, including blood tests to detect inflammation markers.

Complications of Behçet's Disease

If left untreated, Behçet's Disease can cause serious complications, such as:

Vision loss due to eye inflammation
Blood clots that may lead to stroke or thrombosis
Chronic pain and disability due to joint inflammation
Cognitive issues due to neurological involvement

Treatment Options for Behçet's Disease

While there is no cure for Behçet's Disease, symptoms can be managed, and complications can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Common options include:

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Medications: Steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics to reduce inflammation.
Topical therapies: Creams for mouth and genital ulcers to manage pain.
Eye care: Regular monitoring and treatments to prevent vision loss.
Physical therapy: To relieve joint discomfort and increase mobility

How to Prevent Behçet's Disease?

Genetic Counseling

For individuals with a family history of Behçet's Disease, genetic counseling can provide valuable insights into the risk factors and preventive measures.

Healthy Lifestyle

While there is no known way to prevent Behçet's Disease entirely, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Find Our Specialists