Behcet's disease, also called Behcet's syndrome, is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. The disease can lead to numerous signs and symptoms that can seem unrelated at first. It is a form of vasculitis and can affect blood vessels of all sizes and types, and can potentially involve any organ, including the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of AiArthritis Diseases Regardless of Diagnosis
“Auto” Symptoms
Reference: Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study, AiArthritis, 2019.
Typically the joint pain will coincide with one or more “Auto” symptoms and start and stop suddenly - for no apparent reason (which is called a "flare"). Some people will experience all of the above symptoms, others only a few. If you have any of the arthritis features, and at least one of the “Auto” features, please consult your physician about a referral to a rheumatologist.
Symptoms Often Associated with Behcet's Disease:
What fellow patients want you to know
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There’s no single definitive test that can confirm a Behcet's disease diagnosis, so rheumatologists look at a combination of physical exam, blood tests, and imaging, along with a family history of autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease. For a Behcet's disease diagnosis, mouth sores that have recurred at least 3 times in 12 months and at least 2 of the following signs must be present: recurring genital sores, eye inflammation, skin sores. A pathergy test may also be used, in which your doctor inserts a sterile needle into your skin and examines the area a few days later. If the test is positive, a small red bump forms under your skin where the needle was inserted. This indicates your immune system is overreacting to a minor injury.
In an effort to ensure this page has the most accurate and up-to-date information, this page is currently awaiting medical review. Some information is subject to change.
Page Last Updated: 9/1/2023
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