Behcet's Disease

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

An inflammatory multisystem disease that often presents with orogenital ulceration and uveitis

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

• UNKNOWN cause

* Associated with HLA-B51

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

• More common in Turkey, Greece and Central Asia

Question 4

Presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination

Answer 4

• Recurrent ORAL and GENITAL ulceration
• Uveitis
• Skin lesions (e.g. erythema nodosum)
• Arthritis
• Thrombophlebitis
• Vasculitis
• Myo/pericarditis
• CNS symptoms
• Colitis

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

• Diagnosis is very CLINICAL
• Pathergy Test - a needle prick becomes inflamed and a sterile pustule develops within 48 hours
• You may measure complement levels and check for a positive family history