Recurrent oral and genital ulcerations and
uveitis or retinal vasculitis are the characteristic findings in Behçet
disease. Systemic manifestation may affect joints, gut, kidney, lung, and
the cardiovascular system. Lung involvement presents with pulmonary
infarction, hemoptysis, recurrent pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans,
organizing pneumonia, and pleurisy. Cardiovascular manifestations include
pulmonary artery aneurysms, intracardiac thrombus formation with right-sided
predominance, and deep venous thrombosis of large veins. Aneurysmatic
changes and thrombosis have been described in many other sites, including
gut and brain. The clinical course of Behçet disease is characterized by
alternating periods of disease activity and remission. Therapy mainly
consists of antiinflammatory and/or immunosuppressive therapy, usually
including steroids with or without cyclophosphamide. Because of the risks
and benefits, the therapeutic approach to clot formation must be evaluated
individually. Mortality is low and usually is the consequence of a
thrombotic or hemorrhagic complication.