Behçet’s syndrome

What is Behçet's syndrome?

Behçet’s syndrome is a rare condition that causes a number of symptoms, including mouth and genital ulcers and eye inflammation.

It's sometimes also known as Behçet’s disease.

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What are the symptoms of Behçet's syndrome?

There are a number of possible symptoms, but you’ll probably only have a few of these:

mouth ulcers
genital ulcers (around the penis in a man or the vagina in a woman)
skin problems
eye inflammation
fatigue
joint problems
problems with your nervous system
problems with your bowels
thrombosis

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How is Behçet’s syndrome diagnosed?

A definite diagnosis isn’t always possible, but you may have Behçet’s if you have recurrent mouth ulcers (more than three in a 12-month period) plus any two of the following:

genital ulcers
skin problems
inflammation in your eye
a positive pathergy test

Tests to help make a diagnosis may include blood tests, chest x-rays and telescopic examinations of the bowel or stomach (endoscopy).

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What treatments are there for Behçet’s syndrome?

At present, there’s no cure for Behçet’s syndrome. However, various drug treatments can control the severity of your symptoms and improve your general well-being.

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