Atypical Presentation of Behçet Disease Unmasked by Acute Coronary Syndrome
Mahmoud Gomaa1, Osama Elshaer2
1Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt.
Insights
Behçet disease, a rare vasculitis, can cause acute coronary syndrome in young individuals without typical risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing coronary artery aneurysms and improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Behçet disease is a rare multisystem vasculitis.
- It can affect coronary arteries, leading to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young patients.
- Patients often lack traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.
Background:
Behçet disease is a rare multisystem vasculitis that may affect the coronary arteries, presenting as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young patients without risk factors.
Case Summary:
A 26-year-old man with recurrent oral ulcers experienced chest pain over 3 months. Coronary angiography revealed multivessel disease, and a subsequent angiogram showed coronary aneurysms, suggesting vasculitis. Behçet disease was diagnosed based on the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease and HLA-B51 positivity. The patient improved with corticosteroids and colchicine.
Discussion:
In young patients presenting with ACS and no significant risk factors for atherosclerosis, Behçet disease should be considered as a potential cause of coronary artery vasculitis. Coronary aneurysms may be an associated finding.
Take-Home Messages:
Vasculitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for young patients with ACS without significant cardiovascular risk factors. Behçet disease can lead to coronary artery aneurysms; early recognition and management are critical.
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