Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Behçet’s Disease
摘要
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a relapsing–remitting inflammatory vascular disorder with multiple system involvement, affecting vessels of all types and sizes, that targets young adults. The etiology of BD is unknown but many factors including genetic mechanisms, vascular changes, hypercoagulability, and dysregulation of immune function are believed to be responsible. BD usually presents with signs and symptoms of ulcerative disease of the small intestine; endoscopy being consistent with the clinical manifestations. The mainstay of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids are recommended for severe forms of the disease and aminosalicylic acids are used in maintaining remission in mild to moderate forms of the disease. In the treatment of moderate and severe forms of the disease, the introduction of biologic drugs has altered treatment strategies and may improve the long-term prognosis of patients with intestinal BD.