Rheumatology - Behçet's Disease

Question 1

What are the main features of Behçet’s disease?

Answer 1

Recurrent oral ulcers
Genital ulcers

Question 2

What gene is affected in Behçet’s disease?

Answer 2

HLAB51

Question 3

How often do you get oral ulcers in Behçet’s disease?

Answer 3

3 or more per year

Painful
Sharply circumscribed
Red halo

Takes 2-4 weeks to heal

Question 4

What test is used to diagnose Behçet’s disease?

Answer 4

Pathergy test

Sterile needle to make multiple pricks on forearm

24-48 hours later there may be
Erythema
Induration

Indicates non-specific skin hypersensitivity

Question 5

How is Behçet’s disease diagnosed?

Answer 5

Clinical diagnosis
Pathergy test

Question 6

How is Behçet’s disease managed?

Answer 6

Topical steroids for mouth ulcers (soluble betamethasone)
Prednisolone
Colchicine
Lidocaine for genital ulcers

Question 7

What are the major rare complications of Behçet’s disease?

Answer 7

Vision loss
Ruptured pulmonary aneurysms
Bowel perforation
Neuro-Behçet’s disease