Behçet syndrome

Interest in Behçet syndrome (BS), although the condition is rare in many parts of the world, is increasing as judged by the growing number of related publications and scientific meetings.

Recent work reconfirmed the following without further insight into their meaning in pathogenesis: males have a more severe course; one third of the patients have a thrombophilia; papulopustular lesions and arthritis go together; gammadelta T are increased; and HLA B51 is still the main genetic association. Presence of increased levels of antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the proposal of alpha-enolase as the target antigen of antiendothelial cell antibodies, known to be present also in BS, are observations that might help in delineating the unknown pathogenesis. For management, preliminary yet promising experience with the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents is being reported. SUMMARY When compared with 2 decades ago, we know considerably more and can do more about BS.