HomeHealth TopicsBlood Heart CirculationBehcet's Syndrome
Back to Blood Heart Circulation
Behcet's Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Behcet's Syndrome

Behcet's syndrome is a rare disease involving inflammation of the blood vessels that causes recurring sores and systemic health issues.

Overview

Behcet's syndrome is a disease that involves vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels. It causes problems in many parts of the body.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are:

  • Sores in the mouth
  • Sores on the sex organs
  • Other skin sores
  • Swelling of parts of the eye
  • Pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints

More serious problems can include meningitis, blood clots, inflammation of the digestive system and blindness.

Causes and Diagnosis

Doctors aren't sure what causes Behcet's. It is rare in the United States, but is common in the Middle East and Asia. It mainly affects people in their 20s and 30s. Diagnosing Behcet's can take a long time, because symptoms may come and go, and it may take months or even years to have all of the symptoms.

Treatment

There is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing serious problems. Most people can control symptoms with treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment for Behcet's syndrome focuses on managing symptoms, reducing pain, and preventing serious complications. This often involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants. The goal is to control flare-ups and protect vital organs from damage, allowing most people to manage their condition effectively.
The most common early signs of Behcet's syndrome include recurring mouth sores that look like canker sores, genital sores, and various skin sores. You might also experience eye inflammation (uveitis), joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. Since symptoms can come and go, it's important to report any combination of these to your doctor.
Diagnosing Behcet's syndrome can be challenging and often takes time because there isn't a single definitive test, and symptoms may appear over months or years. Doctors usually diagnose it based on a pattern of recurring symptoms, especially the characteristic mouth sores, along with other symptoms like genital sores, eye inflammation, or skin lesions. Blood tests and other imaging may be used to rule out other conditions.
Serious complications of Behcet's syndrome can include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), blood clots, severe digestive system inflammation, and blindness. Warning signs for these complications can include severe headaches, confusion, vision changes, abdominal pain, or swelling and pain in a limb (suggesting a blood clot). Prompt medical attention is crucial if these symptoms occur.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss