Behcet's disease

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Behcet's (beh-CHETS) disease, also called Behcet's syndrome, is a rare disorder that causes chronic inflammation in blood vessels throughout your body. The inflammation of Behcet's disease leads to a variety of symptoms that may initially seem unrelated.

The signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease — which may include mouth sores, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores — vary from person to person and may come and go on their own. Treatment aims to reduce the signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease and to prevent serious complications, such as blindness.

References
  1. Smith EL. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Behcet's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
  2. Questions and answers about Behcet's disease. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/behcets/behcets.htm. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
  3. Smith EL, et al. Pathogenesis of Behcet's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
  4. Smith EL, et al. Treatment of Behcet's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.

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Oct. 30, 2008

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