[Behçet's disease. I. Clinical and histopathological aspects]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Ophthalmology

Context:

• Behçet disease is a rare multisystem inflammatory disorder.
• It presents with a characteristic triad of oral aphthae, genital aphthae, and ocular lesions.
• The disease has a global distribution, with higher prevalence in Mediterranean and East Asian populations.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of Behçet disease.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical manifestations.
• To discuss the prognosis and management considerations.

Summary:

• Behçet disease is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, and ocular inflammation.
• Additional systemic manifestations include skin lesions, arthritis, neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary involvement.
• Diagnosis is primarily clinical, relying on characteristic symptoms and exclusion of other conditions.
• A peculiar feature is hypersensitivity to microtrauma, observed in skin lesions.

Impact:

• Understanding Behçet disease is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
• Multidisciplinary care is essential to address the diverse systemic manifestations.
• Improved diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies can mitigate long-term complications and improve patient outcomes.