Muscle involvement in Behçet's syndrome: a case report

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Neurology

Background:

• Behçet's syndrome is a rare systemic vasculitis.
• It typically presents with oral ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions.

Observation:

• This case highlights a rare presentation of Behçet's syndrome.
• The patient exhibited fever, recurrent aphthous ulcers, and myositis affecting the tongue and gastrocnemius muscles.
• Biopsies revealed phlebitis in the tongue and muscle fiber degeneration with vasculitis in the gastrocnemius.

Findings:

• Myositis, particularly involving the tongue and leg muscles, can be an early or sole manifestation of Behçet's syndrome.
• Histopathological findings support vasculitis and muscle inflammation as key features.
• Treatment with prednisone and thalidomide effectively reduced symptoms.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider Behçet's syndrome in patients with recurrent oral ulcers and unexplained fever and myositis, even without typical genital or ocular findings.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare systemic vasculitis.
• This case broadens the understanding of Behçet's syndrome's diverse clinical spectrum.