Infliximab for laryngopharyngeal involvement in Behçet's syndrome
Miyu Wakatsuki1, Hiroyuki Yamashita1, Hiroshi Kaneko1
1Division of Rheumatic Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Modern Rheumatology Case Reports
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Laryngopharyngeal Behçet's syndrome, though rare, can cause severe swallowing difficulties. Infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy) rapidly improved symptoms in two patients unresponsive to steroids, preventing irreversible damage.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Laryngopharyngeal involvement in Behçet's syndrome is uncommon but serious, potentially leading to airway compromise and severe swallowing issues.
- Established treatments for this rare manifestation are lacking, risking permanent structural damage like stenosis and scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of symptomatic laryngopharyngeal Behçet's syndrome.
- To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab in patients with steroid-refractory disease.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two male patients diagnosed with Behçet's syndrome and significant laryngopharyngeal lesions.
- Assessment of treatment response to corticosteroids followed by infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy).
Main Results:
- Both patients experienced rapid symptomatic relief and functional improvement (swallowing, pain reduction) after infliximab administration.
- One patient maintained remission for 14 years post-treatment, indicating sustained efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Early consideration of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy is crucial for steroid-refractory or relapsing laryngopharyngeal Behçet's syndrome.
- Prompt treatment with infliximab can prevent progression to irreversible structural complications requiring surgery.
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