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Dermatological features in Behçet disease-associated vena cava obstruction
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Korea.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|June 21, 2008
Summary
Behçet disease (BD) patients with vena cava (VC) obstruction often show facial edema and neck vein distension. Recognizing these skin signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of this serious vascular complication.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Behçet disease (BD) is a multisystemic vasculitis affecting various blood vessels.
- Vascular complications in BD, though not essential for diagnosis, can be fatal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of 14 BD patients with superior or inferior vena cava (VC) obstruction.
- To identify dermatological features indicative of VC obstruction in BD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of 14 BD patients with VC obstruction from 3500 registered patients.
- Analysis of computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical presentations.
Main Results:
- Superior VC thrombosis occurred in 7 patients, inferior VC in 4, and both in 3.
- Facial edema and neck vein distension were key signs of superior VC obstruction.
- Dilated abdominal wall veins were common in inferior VC obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous manifestations of VC obstruction are important in BD patients.
- Early recognition of these signs can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of VC occlusion.
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