Behçet's Disease is a complex illness first diagnosed by a Turkish physician (Prof. Dr. Hulusi Behçet) in 1937. This chronic disease affects many organs simultaneously.
The most significant symptoms are persistent oral ulcers and sores, genital ulcers, and uveitis in the eyes. Behçet's disease is often seen in Mediterranean countries, including Turkey, and Japan. It is common between the ages of 20-40. Although the exact cause is unknown, the prevailing hypothesis suggests hereditary, environmental factors, and viruses may be influential. Other symptoms include joint involvement, inflammation of varicose veins, arterial and venous involvement, severe headaches, double vision, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intestinal ulcers. The incidence is more common among adult males, while it is rarer in women and the elderly. Although there is no definitive cure for the disease, medications that reduce symptoms and support the immune system are available.
What is Behçet's Disease?
Behçet's disease, first described in 1937 by Turkish dermatologist Prof. Dr. Hulusi Behçet, is a chronic and systemic disorder. This disease is a rare but serious autoimmune condition affecting different organs of the body simultaneously. It is especially more prevalent in Turkey, Japan, and other Mediterranean countries.
What are the Symptoms of Behçet's Disease?
The most prominent symptoms of Behçet's disease include:
- Recurring mouth ulcers
- Sores and ulcers in the genital area
- Inflammation in the eyes (uveitis)
- Acne-like skin rashes
- Joint pain and swelling
- Bowel problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal ulcers)
- Vascular inflammations (venous or arterial)
- Neurological symptoms (headaches, double vision)
Symptoms of Behçet's disease can vary from person to person and may increase or decrease over time.
Is Behçet's Disease Contagious?
Behçet's disease is not contagious. Although the role of viruses is not fully explained, the underlying causes of the disease are a malfunctioning immune system and genetic predisposition. Therefore, it does not spread through contact from person to person.
Which Department Treats Behçet's Disease?
Behçet's disease affects different systems, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Diagnosis and follow-up primarily involve departments of rheumatology and dermatology. Specialties like ophthalmology, neurology, or gastroenterology may also need to be included in the process.
What is the Treatment for Behçet's Disease?
The treatment for Behçet's disease aims to control symptoms caused by the disease and prevent flares. Although there is no definitive treatment method, the following medications are frequently used:
- Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory)
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Local treatments for eye and skin involvement
- Anti-inflammatory medications
It is crucial for patients to be regularly monitored and to have a personalized treatment plan addressing their symptoms.
Behçet's Disease Imaging Diagnostic Process
The diagnosis of Behçet's disease cannot be made with a specific laboratory test. It is based on clinical findings and the patient's medical history. Imaging diagnostic methods for Behçet's disease may include visuals of oral and genital lesions, fundus photographs for eye involvement, and vascular imaging. These visuals aid in a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Behçet's disease genetic?
Yes, Behçet's disease is more common among individuals with a genetic predisposition. Studies show that individuals carrying a genetic marker known as HLA-B51 are at a higher risk of developing Behçet's disease. Alongside genetic factors, environmental influences, viral infections, and immune responses may also play a role in the disease's development. Individuals with a family history of Behçet's disease are advised to be cautious and maintain regular doctor visits.
Can Behçet's disease be fully cured?
Behçet's disease is chronic (long-term) and recurring, so a complete cure is currently not possible. Thanks to developments in modern medicine, treating Behçet's disease allows significant control over symptoms. Medications used can reduce pain, control eye and skin symptoms, and prevent organ involvement. With proper treatment and regular doctor visits, patients' quality of life can be significantly improved.
Is Behçet's disease dangerous?
Yes, Behçet's disease has the potential to lead to serious complications. Eye involvement, in particular, can lead to vision loss; when the nervous system is affected, it can cause neurological disorders. Vascular inflammations (vasculitis) may cause life-threatening conditions such as clot formation in the lungs or blockages in brain vessels. Therefore, early diagnosis and regular follow-ups by expert doctors are of great importance.
Is Behçet's disease seen in women?
Yes, Behçet's disease can occur in both women and men. It has been observed to progress more severely in men. Women generally exhibit milder symptoms, while men may have more intense symptoms affecting vital areas like the eyes, blood vessels, and nervous system. Regular monitoring is important for controlling symptoms in female patients. During pregnancy, the course of Behçet's disease may change.
Does Behçet's disease affect pregnancy?
Women with Behçet's disease can become pregnant, but the symptoms of the disease may increase or decrease during pregnancy. While the disease calms during pregnancy in some women, flare-ups can occur in certain cases. Behçet's patients planning a pregnancy should definitely plan with both an obstetrician and rheumatologist. The safety of some medications during pregnancy should be evaluated, and treatment should be reorganized accordingly.
What tests are done for Behçet's disease?
There is no single definitive test for diagnosing Behçet's disease. Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's complaints, physical examination findings, and medical history. Oral and genital ulcers, eye findings, and skin changes are the most important clues. Blood tests, pathological examinations, eye examinations, vascular ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to investigate the disease's effects on other organs in necessary situations. International diagnostic criteria are also used to support the diagnosis.
At what age does Behçet's disease start?
Behçet's disease typically begins between the ages of 20-40, which is the period when the disease is most commonly seen. In some cases, it can appear at earlier ages (during adolescence) or later in life. Behçet's disease, starting in young adults, may be more active. It is crucial to consult a specialist as soon as symptoms arise to ensure timely diagnosis.