[Multiple arterial thrombosis in Behçet's disease]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic vasculitis with unknown etiopathogeny.
• Vascular involvement is common in BD, with venous thrombosis (30%) being most frequent.
• Arterial involvement is rare (2.7–7%) but often severe and life-threatening.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old Tunisian male presented with Behcet's disease.
• The patient exhibited bifocal arterial involvement.
• Specific manifestations included right internal carotid artery thrombosis and bilateral proximal pulmonary artery thrombosis.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare instance of extensive arterial thrombosis in Behcet's disease.
• The patient presented with simultaneous thrombosis in a major cerebral artery and the pulmonary arteries.
• This presentation underscores the potential severity of vascular complications in BD.

Implications:

• The pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis in Behcet's disease remains unclear.
• Effective therapeutic strategies for managing extensive arterial involvement in BD require further investigation.
• This case prompts further research into the mechanisms underlying BD-associated arterial thrombosis and its management.