Behçet's Disease: A Comprehensive Overview of Symptoms, Pathology, Genetics, and Treatment

Behçet's disease (BD, also called Behçet's syndrome) is a complex, chronic, and multisystemic disorder characterised by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and various other systemic manifestations due to underlying vasculitis. This review examines the symptoms, pathology, genetic factors, and treatment approaches associated with BD. The syndrome mainly affects populations in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and East Asia, with varying prevalence rates in different countries. Pathologically, BD is characterized by neutrophil infiltration and endothelial cell damage, which can lead to complications such as thrombosis and aneurysms. Genetic predisposition plays an important role - particularly via the HLA-B*51 allele - while additional non-HLA-related genetic and environmental influences further increase susceptibility to the disease. Treatment strategies have focussed on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms through a range of medications, including corticosteroids, TNFα inhibitors and emerging biologics. Recent research has highlighted the potential of microRNAs in regulating inflammatory pathways, as well as their role as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Ongoing studies aim to optimize therapeutic approaches and improve treatment outcomes for this challenging disease.