ABSTRACT
Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by vasculitis of unknown cause and involving multiple organs. Its pathogenesis includes neutrophil hyperfunction and the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, including INF.alpha. BD is often accompanied by leukocytosis, but is rarely associated with myeloproliferative disease. Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by marked thrombocytosis and marrow megakaryocytic hyperplasia. Only one case of ET associated with incomplete.type intestinal BD during hydroxyurea treatment has been reported. Here, we report a case of essential thrombocythemia in 53.year.old female with BD who had taken no medication. Based on the history, physical examination, and routine laboratory and bone marrow examination, we diagnosed her with ET.