Behcet's Syndrome

Sometimes known as Behcet's disease, Behcet's syndrome has no known cause, and is more common and more severe those from the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia. It is believed that both environmental as well as genetic factors can be aspects in the occurrence of Behcet's. This disease is not considered to be one that is contagious.

Symptoms of Behcet's syndrome include ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals. In the mouth, ulcers can occur on the gums, tongue, and the inner lining. In males, the genital ulcers occur on the penis and scrotum, and in females, the vulva. Ulcers can also happen in the stomach or intestines.

Inflammation is another symptom of Behcet's syndrome, and can occur in many areas of the body. Inflammation of the eye can appear in the front of the eye, the uvea, or the back of the eye, called the retina. This inflammation can lead to blindness. Inflammation can also occur in the veins or arteries of patients with Behcet's. About half of all Behcet's patients experience joint inflammation, or arthritis. Skin inflammation also occurs, usually on the front of the patient's legs. Later in the course of Behcet's, inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis, and inflammation of the covering of the brain, meningitis, can cause comas.

Treatment for Behcet's syndrome depends on the area of the body affected by the disease. Cortisone creams, gels, or pastes can be helpful in the treatment of the mouth and genital ulcers, and injectable cortisone can be used for certain other areas of inflammation. Oral medications are used for joint and eye inflammation, as well. For severe Behcet’s, immunosuppressants, drugs that suppress the immune system, may be needed for treatment of the inflammation of the arteries, eyes, and brain. Ulcers of the intestines require the use of oral steroids.

See also

More behcets-syndrome Information.