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Cardiac involvement in Behçet's syndrome: findings from a clinically driven cardiological evaluation
Alessandra Bettiol1, Federica Bello2, Ruggero Mazzotta2,3
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Cardiac involvement in Behçet's syndrome (BS) is more common than previously thought, often occurring during active disease and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Integrated cardio-rheumatologic care is recommended for managing these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder.
- Cardiac involvement in BS is recognized but its prevalence and patterns require further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, patterns, and clinical factors associated with cardiac involvement in patients with Behçet's syndrome.
- To analyze the timing, type, and management of cardiac manifestations in BS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of adult BS patients from a tertiary referral center.
- Comparison of clinical, demographic, and therapeutic characteristics between patients with and without cardiac involvement.
- Evaluation of disease activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and treatments.
Main Results:
- Of 312 BS patients, 90 underwent cardiological assessment, with 49 showing cardiac involvement.
- Arrhythmias (n=15), pericarditis (n=12), and ischemic heart disease (n=8) were most common.
- Cardiac involvement often occurred during active disease (93.9%) and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (80%), but with suboptimal preventive therapy (<40%).
- Male patients had more ischemic events; females had more arrhythmias.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac involvement in BS is more prevalent than traditionally reported when actively investigated.
- Cardiac manifestations in BS are linked to active disease and cardiovascular risk factors, necessitating improved preventive strategies.
- Integrated management combining cardiology and rheumatology is crucial for BS patients with cardiac involvement.
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