Behçet’s disease

 

Overview

A systemic disease that manifests as blood vessel inflammation throughout the entire body. This inflammation impacts several organs including the skin, eyes, joints, intestines, lung, and central nervous system.

Common Symptoms

Sores in the mouth, on the skin, and on genitals, eye pain, blurred vision, joint swelling, swelling of the arms and legs, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, disorientation, poor balance, and potentially stroke.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Psoriasis and heart disease.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Behçets disease most commonly affects males and females in their 20’s and 30’s, however, the disease has been found to be experienced more severely by males. Behçet’s was found to be more prevalent in the Middle East and East Asia, including Turkey, Iran, Japan, and China. Researchers have also found genetic associations with the disorder.

Sources

  1. Article Sources

    1. Kaya, T. İ. (2012). Genetics of Behçet’s Disease. Pathology Research International, 2012, 912589. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/912589.

    2. Saylan, T., Mat, C., Fresko, I., & Melikoğlu, M. (1999). Behçet’s disease in the Middle East. Clinics in Dermatology, 17(2), 209–223; discussion 105-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0738-081x(99)00013-9.

    3. Rose, N. R., & Mackay, I. R. (2020). The Autoimmune Diseases (6th ed). Academic Press.

    4. Ucar-Comlekoglu, D., Fox, A., & Sen, H. N. (2014). Gender Differences in Behçet’s Disease Associated Uveitis. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2014, e820710. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/820710.