An unusual case with vasculo-Behçet's disease: peripheral arterial aneurysm in an elderly woman

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Behçet's disease is a chronic, multi-systemic vasculitis affecting various blood vessels.
• Vascular manifestations are common, particularly in young men, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Arterial lesions in Behçet's disease include aneurysms, stenosis, and occlusions.

Observation:

• This report details a rare case of a woman diagnosed with Behçet's disease.
• The patient developed a peripheral arterial aneurysm in her sixth decade, 20 years post-disease onset.
• This presentation challenges the typical demographic profile for vascular involvement in Behçet's disease.

Findings:

• Peripheral arterial aneurysms can occur late in the disease course of Behçet's disease.
• Late-onset vascular complications highlight the need for long-term monitoring in all Behçet's disease patients.
• The case underscores the potential for atypical presentations of Behçet's disease.

Implications:

• Behçet's disease patients with aneurysms require timely assessment for immunosuppressive therapy.
• Pre- and post-operative management with immunosuppressants can mitigate recurrence and complications.
• Aggressive management strategies are essential to reduce disease activation and improve outcomes in Behçet's disease vasculitis.