Behçets Syndrome

Behçets is a complex condition that has features of autoinflammatory disease, but used to be classed as an autoimmune disease. Behçets is seen more often in the Middle East, Asia and Japan where it often affects more men than women, In the United States, Behçets is a rare disease, that is often seen in more women than men. This syndrome can affect people of all ages, but the first symptoms present in most patients when they are in their early adulthood, from the 20's to 30's.

The basic diagnostic criteria for Behçets Syndrome includes:

Mouth sores (oral ulcers or lesions) at least three times in 12 months
Any two (or more) of the following symptoms:

Recurrent genital sores or ulcers
Eye inflammation, or eye lesions (uveitis or retinal vasculitis)with a loss of vision
Characteristic skin lesions, such as erythema nodosum, pseudofolliculitis, papulopustular lesions, or acneiform nodules
Positive "pathergy test" (skin prick test)

Also any proof of vasculitis from a biopsy of an involved organ is useful for diagnosis.

This symptom list is based on information from the American Behçets Disease Assocation: http://www.behcets.com/site/pp.asp?c=bhJIJSOCJrH&b=260549

Please refer to the American Behçets Disease Association for more information about diagnosis, and treatments. A list of commonly used treatments is on their website at: http://www.behcets.com/site/pp.asp?c=bhJIJSOCJrH&b=260550

Behçets Syndrome Center:
NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
Behçet's Syndrome Evaluation, Treatment and Research Center - 246 East 20th Street, Suite 102, NYC

Contact information:
Tel : (646) 356 9400 - for appointments
Fax : (646) 356 9453
E-mail : yusuf.yazici@nyumc.org
http://medicine.med.nyu.edu/rheumatology/patient-care/behcets-syndrome-center