Behcet's syndrome is a complex multisystem disorder associated with presumed autoimmune-mediated inflammation of the arteries and veins. The precise aetiology has yet to be elucidated however.

Epidemiology

• more common in the eastern Mediterranean (e.g. Turkey)
• more common in men (complicated gender distribution which varies according to country. Overall, Behcet's is considered to be more common and more severe in men)
• tends to affect young adults (e.g. 20 - 40 years old)
• associated with HLA B51
• around 30% of patients have a positive family history

PC

• classically: 1) oral ulcers 2) genital ulcers 3) anterior uveitis
• thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis
• arthritis
• neurological involvement (e.g. aseptic meningitis)
• GI: abdo pain, diarrhoea, colitis
• erythema nodosum
• can cause acute pericarditis

Diagnosis