Behçet's disease pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of Behçet's disease is an overactive immune system that produces recurrent outbreaks of inflammation in small blood vessels. Common symptoms include mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and arthritis in older patients.
Pathophysiology
The symptoms of Behçet's disease are believed to be caused by an over-active immune system which, without any apparent infections, produces recurrent outbreaks of inflammation in small blood vessels. Common symptoms include mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and arthritis in older patients. The symptoms are mostly painful but not life threatening. Some patients however experience significant impairment due to pain, impaired vision and reduced mobility, and may be disabled and unable to work due to this condition. In some severe cases, uncontrolled inflammation may lead to blindness, intestinal complications, stroke, and even meningitis, which can be fatal.
Behçet's disease usually first affects patients when they are in their 20s and 30s. It then becomes a fluctuating lifelong disorder with a series of remissions and exacerbations which can last from days to months. Complete remission is rare.