[Behçet's disease--clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic approach]. 2002

Daniel Elbirt, and Ilan Asher, and Zev M Sthoeger
Dep. of Internal Medicine B, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot.

Behçet's disease is a complex, multisystem disease first described in 1937 by the Turkish dermatologist, Hulusi Behçet. In his original description, Behçet referred to a symptom complex of recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital aphthae, and iritis that could lead to blindness. Today we know that Behçet's disease is much more than a "triad syndrome" and it may also involve the gastrointestinal, central nervous system and large vessels. As yet, there are no existing diagnostic laboratory tests or curative treatments for Behçet's disease. Howver, genetic studies have identified those who are at risk and newer molecular biologic investigations further elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease. The treatment of Behçet's disease depends on clinical manifestations and the severity of the disease. Although various therapeutic modalities have been employed for Behçet's disease, treatment is still unsatisfactory. Treatment modalities include local, systemic, or surgical approaches. Only limited success has been achieved with classic agents such as: colchicine, indomethacin, chlorambucil, and systemic corticosteroids. New therapeutic approaches have been introduced for Behçet's disease using cyclosporine, thalidomide, interferon, high-dose corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide therapy. In this article we summarized the clinical and diagnostic approach for Behçet's disease and the current therapy indicated for different clinical presentations of the disease.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001528 Behcet Syndrome Rare chronic inflammatory disease involving the small blood vessels. It is of unknown etiology and characterized by mucocutaneous ulceration in the mouth and genital region and uveitis with hypopyon. The neuro-ocular form may cause blindness and death. SYNOVITIS; THROMBOPHLEBITIS; gastrointestinal ulcerations; RETINAL VASCULITIS; and OPTIC ATROPHY may occur as well. Behcet Disease,Behcet's Disease,Behcet's Syndrome,Triple-Symptom Complex,Adamantiades-Behcet Disease,Behcet Triple Symptom Complex,Behçet Disease,Old Silk Route Disease,Triple Symptom Complex,Adamantiades Behcet Disease,Adamantiades-Behcet Diseases,Behçet Diseases,Symptom Complex, Triple,Triple Symptom Complices

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