There are only 3-5 cases of Behcet’s disease per 1000,000 people in the U.S.
01 | Introduction
Behcet’s disease is a rare, chronic condition that causes blood vessels to swell throughout the body. This condition is not well understood and can be difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms are so wide-ranging and can be shared with a number of other conditions. Behcet’s can potentially affect all organs, including the central nervous system. Along with the common symptoms, Behcet’s can also cause more serious complications such as vision loss, blood clots, and gastrointestinal, brain, or spinal cord problems.
02 | Causes
The exact cause of Behcet’s disease isn’t fully understood, although most experts believe that it is an autoinflammatory condition. It is likely that a combination of gene changes and environmental factors plays a role in triggering the condition.
03 | Symptoms
Symptoms of Behcet’s disease vary depending on which parts of the body the condition affects. Some common symptoms can include:
04 | Treatment
Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing organ damage. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity and symptoms of the disease. Topical steroids are often recommended to treat the skin and genital sores. If the disease progresses, immunosuppressants and biologic medications may also be required.
Learn More
For more information on Behcet’s disease, please visit aiarthritis.org.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/behcet-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351331
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/behcets-disease/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12980-behcets-disease
https://vasculitisfoundation.org/education/vasculitis-types/behcets-syndrome/
