Behçet's disease

Behçet's disease

[bā′sets]

Etymology: Hulusi Behçet, Turkish dermatologist, 1889-1948

a rare syndrome that includes a severe, chronic, multisystem inflammatory illness of unknown cause; it mostly affects young males and is characterized by severe uveitis and retinal vasculitis. Other signs include optic atrophy and small, shallow, painful white or grey lesions of the mouth and the genitals, indicating diffuse vasculitis. It may involve all organs and affect the central nervous system. Immunosuppressive therapy may be considered. The disease is common in Japan, Turkey, and Israel, but rare in the United States. Also called Behçet's syndrome.

Behçet's disease

Behçet syndrome An idiopathic multisystem condition most common in the Middle East; ♂:♀ ratio 2:1, aged 15–40 Clinical Pustules, aphthous stomatitis–90%, genital ulcers; vasculitis; erythema nodosa–80%, meningoencephalitis, synovitis, uveitis Lab ↑ ESR, ↑ Igs, anemia Management Symptomatic, corticosteroids