Behcet's Disease

Question 1

What is Becket’s disease?

Answer 1

Complex inflammatory condition

Question 2

What is a characteristic of Behcet’s disease?

Answer 2

Oral/genital ulcers

Question 3

What does Behcet’s disease cause?

Answer 3

Inflammation in number of areas such as skin, GI tracts, lungs, blood vessels, MSK & CNS

Question 4

What gene is Behcet’s disease associated with?

Answer 4

HLA B51 gene

Question 5

Differential diagnosis associated with the mouth ulcers?

Answer 5

• Simple aphthous
• SCC
• RA
• HSV ulcers
• IBD
• Hand, foot & mouth
• Folate deficiency

Question 6

Features of Behcet’s?

Answer 6

-Mouth ulcers
-Genital ulcers
-Skin: easily inflammed, erythema nodosum, papules and pustules
-Eyes: Anterior/posterior uveitis, retinal vasculitis, retinal haemorrhage
-MSK: Morning stiffness, arthralgia, oligoarthritis
GI:
-CNS: Headaches, aseptic meningitis
-Veins: thrombosis
-Lungs: Pulmonary artery aneurysms develop

Question 7

Investigations of Bechets?

Answer 7

Clinical diagnosis

Pathergy test

Question 8

What is pathergy test?

Answer 8

Involves sterile needle used to create SC abrasion on forearm

• Reviewed after 24-48 hours to look for weal 5mm or more
• Tests for non-specific hypersensitivity in skin
• +ve in Behcets disease

Question 9

Management of Behcet’s disease?

Answer 9

• Topical roids for mouth ulcers
• Systemic roids
• Colchicine
• Immunosuppressants
• Biologic therapy