Gastrointestinal Involvement of Behçet’s Disease

Abstract

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, featuring recurrent aphthous ulcers in the oral mucosa, uveitis, skin symptoms, and vulvar ulcers. Its inflammation can involve important organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and vascular system. BD with gastrointestinal lesions is called intestinal BD, which is more common in Japan and Korea than elsewhere. Although ulcers at the ileocecal site are representative of intestinal BD, any part of the gastrointestinal tract can be involved. Therefore, the symptoms of intestinal BD are diverse and nonspecific. There are no specific markers for diagnosing this condition, and establishing the diagnosis of intestinal BD still remains a challenge. In the differential diagnosis of intestinal BD, Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis often need to be ruled out. Glucocorticoids and antitumor necrosis factor-α antibodies are the key agents for the treatment of intestinal BD. Many patients experience disease flare-up, and they sometimes follow a severe clinical course.