Behçet's Disease

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized clinically by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, ophthalmologic manifestations such as uveitis, and other cutaneous findings such as erythema nodosum. The disease is chronic, with unpredictable exacerbations and remissions. The disease typically presents in young adults and can affect both genders. The disease has a worldwide distribution, although it is more prevalent in countries of the ancient Silk Route. The cause of BD is unclear but seems to be an autoimmune reaction triggered by an infectious agent in a genetically predisposed individual. The treatment of BD is symptomatic, targeting the specific clinical findings. The vast majority of patients affected by BD do not have life-threatening disease, however there is significant morbidity and mortality associated with vascular-thrombotic and central nervous system involvement.