[Behçet's syndrome (a complex of mucocutaneous and ocular symptoms]

Behçet's disease (BD) is a complex of symptoms, which include aphthae in the oral mucous membrane, eruptions of the skin, ulcers on genitals and eye symptoms. The disease relapses into acute episodes for many years and involves internal organs. Since 1990, BD has been diagnosed by the international diagnostic criteria. During the last 20 years, BD has varied in the disease expression. The number of patients who fill the diagnostic criteria falls, while the number who do not fill the diagnostic criteria increases. Complications of internal organs are unchanged. Investigations have disclosed many new findings on the pathogenesis; the close relationship of BD with HLA-51 gene and participation of Streptococcus sanguinis in the oral cavity seems to be significant for diagnosis and treatment. For these reasons, the Japanese study group presented a set of new extended diagnostic criteria in 2005 with guidance for suitable treatment. BD is rare in the Nordic countries, but increased communication with Middle-Eastern countries is likely to cause an increase in the number of BD patients. We must refresh and renew our knowledge of BD.