Fever revealing Behçet's disease: Two new cases

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare vasculitis.
• Prolonged fever of unknown origin can be a challenging diagnostic presentation.
• BD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Behçet's disease.
• To emphasize the association of BD with pulmonary aneurysms.
• To raise awareness among clinicians regarding fever as an initial symptom of BD.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic delay, and outcomes.
• Focus on the development of pulmonary aneurysms.

Main Results:

• Two 42-year-old males presented with prolonged fever.
• Diagnosis of Behçet's disease was delayed by 12 and 21 months.
• Both patients developed pulmonary aneurysms and died within a year of diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Long-term fever can be an early indicator of Behçet's disease.
• Pulmonary aneurysms are a severe complication of BD.
• Early recognition of BD is crucial, particularly in at-risk populations.