Behçet's syndrome

Behçet's syndrome consists of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in association with genital ulcers and inflammatory eye disease.

The genital ulcers resemble aphthous ulcers. They can be very painful.
Eye changes include iridocyclitis, uveitis, and retinal vasculitis.
Skin ulceration can occur at a site of trauma, such as that caused by venipuncture.
Often inherited, there is a strong association with HLA-B5.
Erythema nodosum and arthralgia can be associated.

Treatment:

• Immune suppressants such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, chlorambucil, cyclosporine and corticosteroids have all been effective ion severe cases. Colchicine is also used.
• Some patients respond to oral dapsone or thalidomide.
• Topical therapy can be used for oral ulcers as well as intralesional cortisone
• Relapse is common after treatment is discontinued.

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