Clinical Presentation of Behçet’s Disease in Internal Medicine

Conclusion

Even in internal medicine oral ulcers are the most frequent presentation of Behçet’s disease, however they are not necessarily present at the very early stages. To avoid the diagnostic delay that results from a late appearance of the complete diagnostic criteria, the internist must think of the diagnosis of Behçet’s disease in cases of arthritis, and neurological and gastrointestinal problems. Using the associated elements as ethnicity, and the presence of HLA B51 might also be helpful. Although actually rarely used in the western world, the pathergy test can complete the diagnostic criteria when positive, and reduce the diagnostic delay in certain cases.