Abordaje de la enfermedad de Behçet vulvar: comunicación de caso

La enfermedad de Behçet (EB) es un trastorno inflamatorio, multisistémico, recidivante y remitente de etiología desconocida. Una característica clave de la enfermedad es la ulceración orogenital que provoca una morbilidad considerable con gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Su manejo médico consiste en un esquema con colchicina, esteroides o inmunomoduladores. Comunicamos el caso de una paciente con lesiones genitales quien consultó en múltiples ocasiones, recibiendo manejo antibiótico e incluso quirúrgico, con respuesta refractaria a estas intervenciones. Posteriormente, por las características de las lesiones y el comportamiento clínico se sospechó enfermedad de Behçet y se instauró manejo médico con esteroides orales y curaciones con fitoestimulina. Hubo resolución de las úlceras genitales y posteriormente la paciente fue llevada a cirugía para corrección de las sinequias vulvares.

Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory, multisystemic, relapsing-remitting disorder of unknown etiology. A key feature of the disease is orogenital ulceration that causes considerable morbidity with great impact on patient's quality of life. Its medical management consists of a scheme with colchicine, steroids or immunomodulators. We report the case of a patient with genital lesions who consulted on multiple occasions, receiving antibiotics and even surgical management, with refractory response to these interventions. Subsequently, due to the characteristics of the lesion and clinical behavior, Behçet's disease was suspected and medical management with oral steroids and cures with phytostimulin was initiated. The genital ulcers were resolved, and the patient was subsequently taken to surgery for correction of the vulvar synechiae.

Lower Digestive Tract Bleeding in a Patient with Behçet's Disease: A Case Report

Behçet's disease is a chronic, multisystemic, and relapsing inflammatory pathology that frequently manifests with oral and genital ulcers and ocular and skin lesions. It rarely exhibits gastrointestinal involvement, which varies depending on the affected gastrointestinal segment; these have in common the predominance of ulcerated lesions and, consequently, a greater risk of bleeding from the digestive tract. A clinical case of a 28-year-old female patient who consulted for a clinical picture of melenic stools and oral ulcers is described. As a crucial clinical history, she had been diagnosed with Behçet's disease since adolescence, associated with severe gastrointestinal complications. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with findings of antral erythematous gastropathy and a colonoscopy with a report of ulcerated ileitis. Treatment with azathioprine and corticosteroids was indicated, significantly improving the clinical picture.

La enfermedad de Behçet es una patología inflamatoria crónica, multisistémica y recidivante que se manifiesta frecuentemente con úlceras orales y genitales, y lesiones oculares y cutáneas. En raras ocasiones presenta compromiso gastrointestinal y este varía dependiendo del segmento gastrointestinal afectado; estas enfermedades tienen en común el predominio de lesiones ulceradas y, consecuentemente, un mayor riesgo de sangrado de las vías digestivas. Se describe un caso clínico de una paciente femenina de 28 años que consultó por un cuadro clínico de deposiciones melénicas y úlceras orales. Como antecedente clínico de importancia presentó diagnóstico de enfermedad de Behçet desde la adolescencia asociado a complicaciones gastrointestinales graves. Se realizó una esofagogastroduodenoscopia con hallazgos de gastropatía eritematosa antral y una colonoscopia con reporte de ileítis ulcerada. Se indicó el tratamiento con azatioprina y corticoides con una mejoría significativa del cuadro clínico.

Giant Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Behçet's Disease

ABSTRACT Coronary artery involvement is quite rare in the course of Behçet's disease. Complications secondary to coronary artery aneurysms, including rupture, dissection, and myocardial ischemia, may be fatal. In young patients without cardiovascular risk factors, systemic inflammatory vasculitis syndromes should be investigated in case of acute coronary syndrome secondary to dilated coronary arteries. In this report, we present our management strategy in a 31-year-old male patient with Bechet's disease.

Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and evaluation of intestinal Behcet′s disease / 中华全科医师杂志

Behcet′s disease is a chronic systemic vasculitis with unknown etiology that can involve multiple organs. Behcet′s disease with predominant gastrointestinal manifestations is diagnosed with intestinal Behcet′s disease. Severe complications such as gastrointestinal massive hemorrhage, perforation and obstruction may occur in intestinal Behcet′s disease. If not treated in time, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we will review the lesion distribution, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and disease activity of intestinal Behcet′s disease for better understanding of clinicians.

Case for diagnosis. Ulcerated lesions: a diagnostic challenge in Behçet's syndrome

Abstract This study reports the clinical case of a 42-year-old patient with ulcerated lesions who was followed up by general practitioners with the diagnosis of recurrent cellulitis. However, when referred to the Dermatology division a diagnosis of Behçet's syndrome was established based on clinical criteria. Although there are defined clinical criteria for this syndrome, sometimes its diagnosis can be challenging, due to lack of knowledge of the disease and extremely heterogeneous clinical phenotype. The authors highlight the potential difficulties in establishing the diagnosis considering the multiple clinical findings during the investigation process, contributing to the risk of increased morbidity and mortality.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with ocular and non-ocular Behcet disease / Achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with Behçet disease with and without ocular involvement. Methods: A total of 40 patients with Behçet disease and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Retinal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus, foveal avascular zone area and perimeter, acirculatory index, foveal density, and nonflow area in the superficial retina were automatically measured using the optical coherence tomography angiography software AngioVue and compared between the groups. Results: The mean parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus and foveal density were significantly lower in the eyes with Behçet uveitis compared to the eyes without Behçet uveitis and eyes of the healthy controls. In the eyes with Behçet uveitis, logMAR visual acuity showed a moderate correlation with parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities and foveal density (r=-0.43, p=0.006; r=-0.62, p<0.001; r=-0.42, p=0.008; respectively). Conclusion: Behçet disease with posterior uveitis was associated with significant perifoveal and parafoveal vascular decrements in the superficial and deep retina.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular. Métodos: Foram incluídos 40 pacientes com doença de Behçet e 30 controles saudáveis. A densidade vascular retiniana nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, a zona avascular foveal, o índice de circularidade, a densidade foveal e a área sem fluxo da retina superficial foram medidos automaticamente, através do software AngioVue para angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica, e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: A densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal média nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, bem como a densidade foveal, foram significativamente menores nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet em comparação com os olhos sem uveíte de Behçet e os olhos dos controles saudáveis. Nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet, a acuidade visual logMAR mostrou correlação moderada com a densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal e com a densidade foveal (respectivamente, r=-0,43, p=0,006; r=-0,62, p<0,001; e r=-0,42, p = 0,008). Conclusão: A doença de Behçet com uveíte posterior foi associada a decréscimos significativos da vascularização perifoveal e parafoveal na retina superficial e profunda.(AU)

A review of advances in biologic therapy for Beh?et uveitis / 中华眼底病杂志

Beh?et uveitis (BU), one of the common manifestations of Beh?et syndrome, has a poor prognosis, high blinding rate, and severely impairs the quality of patients' life. The current treatment principle mainly induce and maintain inflammation remission by suppressing the immune response. The glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of BU has disadvantages such as long medication time, severe adverse effects, and poor long-term prognosis, whereas biologics have gradually attracted attention about the treatment of BU because of their high efficacy, low toxicity, and good long-term prognosis. The biologics used to treat BU include tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, interferon-α, interleukin blockers, and lymphocyte targeting preparations. It is believed that with the progress of various studies and clinical trials, the stepwise application of biologics is promising, and it is hopeful to provide more accurate and effective treatment for patients with BU in the future.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Beh?et′s syndrome in China / 中华内科杂志

Beh?et′s syndrome (BS) is classified among variable vessel vasculitis with unknown etiology and extensively heterogeneous clinical features. It is easily missed or misdiagnosed due to the lack of a specific laboratory diagnosis index. Based on the evidence and guidelines from China and other countries, the Chinese Rheumatology Association developed the standardization of diagnosis and treatment of BS. The purposes are: (1) To standardize the detection and interpretation of key indicators for BS; (2) To standardize rational management for BS patients with topical and systemic organ involvement to reduce complications and improve outcomes.

Síndrome de Behçet ou úlcera de Lipschütz: desafio diagnóstico / Behçet's syndrome or Lipschütz ulcer: diagnostic challenge

A ocorrência de úlceras genitais em adolescentes e mulheres jovens tem impacto emocional para as pacientes e seus familiares, pela frequente associação com uma possível etiologia de transmissão sexual. Porém, úlcera de Lipschütz e síndrome de Behçet não têm etiologia infecciosa e devem ser lembradas como possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais. O diagnóstico dessas duas patologias é clínico e pode ser desafiador. Dessa forma, foi realizada uma revisão na literatura com o objetivo de comparar as duas entidades. A úlcera de Lipschütz é causada por uma vasculite local e caracteriza-se pelo surgimento súbito de úlceras na vulva ou vagina inferior. Já a doença de Behçet é causada por vasculite sistêmica, com episódios de remissão e exacerbação, que pode envolver quase todos os sistemas orgânicos. Em ambos os casos, é essencial o referenciamento para reumatologia. O tratamento objetiva suprimir exacerbações, controlar a dor e prevenir infecção secundária.(AU)

The occurrence of genital ulcers in adolescents and young women have an emotional impact for the patient and their families, due to the frequent association of its etiology with a sexually transmitted disease. However, Lipschütz ulcer and Behçet's syndrome do not have an infectious etiology and should be remembered as a possible differential diagnoses. As the diagnosis of these two pathologies is clinical and can be challenging, a review of literature was carried out. The objective of this review of literature was to compare both diseases. Lipschütz ulcer is caused by local vasculitis and is characterized by the sudden appearance of ulcers in the vulva or lower vagina. Behçet's syndrome is caused by systemic vasculitis, with episodes of remission and exacerbation, which can affect almost all organ systems. In both cases, referral to rheumatology is essential. Treatment aims to suppress exacerbations, control pain and prevent secondary infection.(AU)

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma sacular aórtico associado à doença de Adamantiades-Behçet / Endovascular treatment of aortic saccular aneurysms associated with Adamantiades-Behçet disease

Resumo A doença de Adamantiades-Behçet é uma desordem multissistêmica que se apresenta classicamente com úlceras orais e genitais e envolvimento ocular, podendo o acometimento vascular ocorrer em até 38% dos casos. O envolvimento aórtico é uma das manifestações mais severas e está associado a altas taxas de mortalidade, ocorrendo em 1,5 a 2,7% dos casos. Relatamos um caso de aneurisma sacular de aorta abdominal em um paciente de 49 anos com doença de Adamantiades-Behçet complicada, tratada por correção endovascular.

Abstract Adamantiades-Behçet disease is a multisystemic disorder that classically presents with oral and genital ulcers and ocular involvement, with vascular involvement in up to 38% of cases. Aortic involvement is one of the most serious manifestations and is associated with high mortality rates, occurring in 1.5 to 2.7% of cases. We report a case of a saccular abdominal aorta aneurysm in a 49-year-old male patient with complicated Adamantiades-Behçet disease that was treated with endovascular repair.

Acometimento vascular na doença de Behçet: o processo imunopatológico / Vascular involvement in Behçet's disease: the immunopathological process

Resumo A doença de Behçet constitui uma forma rara de vasculite sistêmica, que acomete de pequenos a grandes vasos. É caracterizada por manifestações mucocutâneas, pulmonares, cardiovasculares, gastrointestinais e neurológicas. Sua apresentação clínica é bastante ampla, variando de casos mais brandos a casos graves, com acometimento multissistêmico, caracteristicamente com exacerbações e remissões. Suas causas ainda são desconhecidas; entretanto, há evidências genéticas, ambientais e imunológicas, como a associação com o alelo HLA-B51. Todas essas, em conjunto, apontam para um processo imunopatológico anormal, com ativação de células da imunidade inata e adaptativa, como as células natural killer, neutrófilos e células T, que geram padrões de respostas e citocinas específicos capazes de gerar mediadores que podem lesionar e inflamar o sistema vascular, resultando em oclusões venosas, arteriais e/ou formação de aneurismas.

Abstract Behçet's disease is a rare form of systemic vasculitis that affects small to large vessels. It is characterized by mucocutaneous, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological manifestations. Its clinical presentation is quite wide, ranging from milder cases to severe cases, with multisystemic involvement, characteristically with exacerbations and remissions. Its etiopathogenesis is still unclear, although there is evidence of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, such as the association with the HLA-B51 allele. In conjunction, all of these point to an abnormal immunopathological process, with activation of cells of innate and adaptive immunity, such as NK cells, neutrophils, and T cells, which generate specific response patterns and cytokines capable of generating mediators that can damage and inflame blood vessels, resulting in venous and arterial occlusions and/or aneurysm formation.

Síndrome de Behçet ­ os desafios do diagnóstico: uma revisão sistemática / Behçet Syndrome ­ the challenges of diagnosis: a systematic review

A Doença de Behçet (DB) é uma afecção entendida por ser inflamatória, multissistêmica,de causa ainda desconhecida, apresentando sintomas como úlceras orais, genitais, uveíte, lesões cutâneas e vasculites recorrentes, sendo mais frequente nos países que se estendem desde o Mediterrâneo até o extremo Oriente. Reconhecida atualmente como uma doença autoimune, a DB parece agregar elementos genéticos do portador e fatores ambientais desencadeantes. Para o estabelecimento de critérios internacionais para um diagnóstico, protocolos clínicos foram desenvolvidos para auxiliar a atividade da doença assim permitindo a padronização das pesquisas na área, ainda que não existam alterações laboratoriais ou histopatológicas definidas da doença. O diagnóstico depende de uma avaliação clínica criteriosa que, quando precoce, é determinante para o prognóstico.Neste artigo são revistos dados clínicos para o diagnóstico da Doença de Behçet.

Behçet's disease (DB) is an affection understood to be multisystemic inflammation of an as yet unknown cause, presenting symptoms such as oral ulcers, genitalia, uveitis, cutaneous lesions and recurrent vasculitis. It is more frequent in countries stretching from the Mediterranean to the Far East. Currently recognized as an autoimmune disease, DB appears to aggregate carrier genetic elements and environmental triggering factors. The establishment of international criteria for a diagnosis, clinical protocols were developed to aid the activity of the disease thus allowing the standardization of research in the area, although there are no laboratory or histopathological changes defined disease, the diagnosis dependent on a careful clinical evaluation that when are determinants for the prognosis. In this article we review clinical data for the diagnosis of Behçet's Disease.

Enfermedad de Behcet: un reto diagnóstico en reumatología. Descripción de una serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Behcet's disease: a diagnostic challenge in rheumatology. Description of a case series and a review of the literature

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Behcet es una entidad clínica autoinflamatoria, de etiología desconocida, generalmente con compromiso sistémico, con un patrón de exacerbación y remisión frecuente que se asocia a retraso en el diagnóstico. El diagnóstico de esta enfermedad es complejo, por esta razón presentamos 4 casos de pacientes con enfermedad de Behcet, que durante el abordaje clínico fueron consideradas otras enfermedades de naturaleza autoinmune. La revisión integrada de la historia clínica, la aparición de úlceras orales y genitales, así como el estudio de tipificación del complejo mayor de histocompatibilidad (HLA) permitieron diagnosticar la enfermedad de Behcet.

ABSTRACT Behcet disease is a rare autoinflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology and is characterised by systemic manifestations with an exacerbation-remission pattern, often associated with diagnostic delay. The diagnostic approach to this disease is complex. A report is given on four cases of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for Behcet disease. Other autoimmune rheumatic diseases were considered in the clinical approach. A meticulous clinical evaluation, taking into consideration relapsing aphthous ulcers in oral mucosa and genitalia, and HLA typing allowed a proper diagnosis of Behcet disease to be made.

Comparison of Clinical, Angiographic Features and Outcome in Takayasu's Arteritis and Behçet's Disease With Arterial Involvement

OBJECTIVE: Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a vasculitis that primarily involves the aorta and its branches. In Behçet's disease (BD), systemic vasculitis is one of major manifestations. We aimed to compare clinical and angiographic features and outcome between TAK and BD with arterial involvement.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 206 TAK patients and 50 BD patients between 1995 and 2015. Angiographic lesions were evaluated via computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or conventional angiography.RESULTS: Fever (30% vs. 9.2%, p<0.001) and arthralgia (36% vs. 7.3%, p<0.001) were more common in BD. C-reactive protein was higher in BD compared with TAK (5.85 mg/dL vs. 2.08 mg/dL, p<0.001). Stenosis (89.8% vs. 60%, p<0.001) and occlusion (65.5% vs. 32%, p<0.001) were more observed in TAK. In contrast, aneurysm was common in BD (62% vs. 20.9%, p<0.001). The carotid artery (73.3% vs. 30%, p<0.001), subclavian artery (71.4% vs. 16%, p<0.001), descending aorta (35% vs. 12%, p=0.002), renal artery (23.8% vs. 10%, p=0.032), superior mesenteric artery (18.4% vs. 4%, p=0.012), and brachiocephalic trunk (13.6% vs. 2%, p=0.020) were more commonly involved in TAK, whereas the femoral artery (10% vs. 2.4%, p=0.027) was more frequently involved in BD. During follow-up, arterial dissection (10% vs. 1.9%, p=0.016), rupture (12% vs. 0.5%, p<0.001), and arterial replacement/resection (66% vs. 9.7%, p<0.001) were more observed in BD.CONCLUSION: TAK differs from BD regarding clinical features and vascular involvement patterns. BD exhibits a higher rate of vascular complications.

Progress in interferon: A treatment of Behcet syndrome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Behcet syndrome (BS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder involving vessels of all sizes, characterized by relapsing episodes of oral and/or genital ulcers, as well as skin lesions. Ocular, vascular, gastrointestinal, neurological system involvement can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the cornerstones for the management of BS. Biologic agents has been recommended for severe and/or refractory BS. Interferon-α (IFN-α) had multiple biological effects, such as antiviral and antiproliferative, that could regulate both innate and adaptive immunity in BS. Growing evidence showed the efficacy of IFN-α in severe and/or refractory BS. Many studies have demonstrated that IFN-α has comparable effectiveness and tolerance profiles as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents for Behcet's uveitis with a much lower cost and steroid-and immunosuppressant-sparing effects. IFN-α has been recommended as second-line therapy for ocular involvement of BS in EULAR (The European League Against Rheumatism) 2018. IFN-α also improves mucocutaneous lesions in BS with the dosage from 3 to 9-12 million IU three times per week. A few cases indicated the therapeutic potential of IFN-α in intestinal BS. As a new trial of IFN-α in vascular BS (VBS), a recent study revealed the lower relapse rate and higher recanalization rate with IFN-α in lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Another two case reports presented the efficacy of IFN-α in pulmonary artery involvement in BS. Also, case reports have shown successful treatment in refractory neurological involvement. There are two subtypes of IFN-α commonly used in autoimmune diseases, named IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b. IFN-α2a seemed more effective than IFN-α2b, especially in ocular and mucocutaneous involvement of BS. Side effects of IFN-α are dose-dependent and not severe. The most frequent side effects are flu-like syndrome, mild leukopenia and alopecia. Considering the potential risk of tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation of TNF-α inhibitors, IFN-α is safe due to its anti-HBV effect and protective effect on TB. In conclusion, IFN-α is a promising choice for severe and/or refractory BS patients, especially for those who are intolerant or contraindicant to other biological agents, such as TNF inhibitors. Further prospective controlled studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of IFN-α in BS.

Co-existence of Guillain-Barré syndrome and Behcet syndrome: A case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

A 40-year-old male patient was referred to our department with complains of recurrent oral ulcer for more than 20 years and vulvar ulcer for more than 10 years. He presented with a 3-month history of right external ophthalmoplegia. More than 10 days ago, the patient received ganglioside infusion. And one week ago, he developed numbness and pain of his lambs, and progressive myasthenia, accompanied by right blepharoptosis and dysuria. On exam, motor strength was graded 0/5 in the lower and the upper extremities. Deep tendon reflexes were diminished in extremities. His admission medical examination: hemoglobin (HGB), white cell and platelet counts were normal. C-reactive protein (CRP) was negative. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 53 mm/h. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-Smith antibody, anti-cardiolipin antibody and human leucocyte antigen B51 were all within normal range. The etiological tests of influenza A pathogen, influenza B pathogen, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus and parvovirus were all negative. He tested positive for serum anti-GM1 IgG. Cerebrospinal fluid had a normal white cell count, an elevated protein content. Gram staining, culture and PCR detection for varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus were all negative. Antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome were negative in cerebrospinal fluid. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies showed a severe axonal damage affecting motor nerves. No obvious abnormalities were observed in his magnetic resonance imaging of brain and cavernous sinus. The patient was diagnosed with Behcet syndrome complicated with acute Guillain-Barré syndrome. He received intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, plasma exchange and rituximab treatment. After treatment, the patient's muscle strength of limbs was restored to grade 1, blepharoptosis and pain disappeared. The nervous system involvement of Behcet syndrome is relatively rare, especially combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is easy to cause misdiagnosis. The treatment of Behcet syndrome complicated with acute Guillain-Barré syndrome includes the treatment of primary disease, plasma exchange and IVIg therapy. In addition, supportive treatment is very important for such patients. The focus of treatment is to avoid respiratory insufficiency, prevent deep vein thrombosis, monitor cardiac function and hemodynamics. Pain-relieving, physical exercise and psychological support are often under-recognized. The rehabilitation treatment is very important to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients. What we need to learn is that when the symptoms and signs of the nervous system are difficult to be explained by neuro-Behcet syndrome alone, we should be alert to the possibility of other nervous system diseases.

Clinical analysis of golimumab in the treatment of severe/refractory cardiovascular involvement in Behcet syndrome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness and safety of golimumab in the treatment of severe/refractory cardiovascular Behcet syndrome (BS).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of nine patients diagnosed with severe/refractory cardiovascular BS and treated with golimumab from February 2018 to July 2020 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. We analyzed levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), imaging findings, and the doses of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents during the period of combined treatment with golimumab.@*RESULTS@#Nine patients were enrolled, including 8 males and 1 female, with a mean age and median course of (37.0±8.6) years and 120 (60, 132) months, respectively. Seven patients presented with severe aortic regurgitation combined with other cardiovascular involvement secondary to BS. Two patients presented with large vessel involvement, including multiple aneurysms and vein thrombosis. Prior to golimumab treatment, seven patients were treated with glucocorticoids and multiple immunosuppres-sants [with a median number of 3 (1, 3) types] while still experienced disease progression or elevated inflammation biomarkers during postoperative period. Eight patients with disease progression, uncontrolled inflammation and history of severe postoperative complications required effective and fast control of inflammation during perioperative period. One patient had adverse reaction with tocilizumab and switched to golimumab during perioperative period. The patients were treated with golimumab 50 mg every 4 weeks, along with concomitant treatment of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants. After a median follow-up of (16.3±5.6) months, all the patients achieved clinical improvement. Vascular lesions were radiologically stable and no vascular progressive or newly-onset of vascular lesions was observed. The eight patients who experienced cardiac or vascular operations showed no evidence of postoperative complications. The ESR and hsCRP levels decreased significantly [16.5 (6.8, 52.5) mm/h vs. 4 (2, 7) mm/h, and 21.24 (0.93, 32.51) mg/L vs. 0.58 (0.37, 1.79) mg/L (P < 0.05), respectively]. The dose of prednisone was tapered from 35 (15, 60) mg/d to 10.0 (10.0, 12.5) mg/d. No prominent adverse reactions were observed.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study suggests that golimumab is effective in the treatment of severe/refractory cardiovascular BS. Combination immunosuppression therapy with golimumab contributes to control of inflammation, reduction of postoperative complications and tapering the dose of glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants.

Cardiologists′ perceptions on Behcet′s disease and its cardiovascular lesions: a single center analysis / 中华内科杂志

To analyze the perceptions of cardiovascular specialists about Behcet′s disease and its cardiovascular lesions in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. A survey using questionnaires was conducted among cardiovascular specialists in the hospital, the differences among groups were analyzed with χ2 analyses. Less than half of the cardiovascular specialists were familiar with the diagnostic criteria of Behcet′s disease (32.6%), and its skin lesions, as acne-like rash (41.3%), erythema nodosum (42.0%), acupuncture response (47.8%). The knowledge of its cardiovascular lesions was too superficial, especially in the awareness of heart conduction block. Most of the specialists preferred to use low dose of glucocorticoids before operation in their practice. To improve the knowledge and awareness of Behcet′s disease and its cardiovascular lesions is of great significance for the early diagnosis, improvement of prognosis, and reduction of postoperative complications.

Coronary involvement in behçet's disease: what are its risks and prognosis? (rare cases and literature review)

Abstract Objective: In our clinic, we aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative risk factors and postoperative complications on reoperation and mortality in cases with Behçet's disease which presents very rare coronary artery involvement. Methods: Thirteen patients with Behçet's Disease who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting in our center between 2003 and 2015 were analyzed. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings, complications and mortality rates of our patients in light of the literature. Results: The mean age was 38.5 (30-55; 3 women). The mean time from onset of Behçet's disease to coronary artery disease was 4,7 (3-11) years. Fifty-four percent of the patients were asymptomatic. Coronary artery disease of these was exposed while peripheral vascular surgery was planned due to complications of Behçet's disease. Symptomatic patients presented angina pectoris (31%), acute coronary syndrome (8%) and arrhythmia (8%). In coronary pathology of patients, distal type obstruction (31%), aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm (31%), proximal segment thrombus (15%), chronic type stenosis and occlusions (31%) were present. Early mortality (15%) was due to acute myocardial infarction while the late mortality (15%) was due to cerebral and gastrointestinal bleeding. Reoperation was due to bleeding in one case on the 1st postoperative day and due to acute pulmonary embolism in another case in the 3rdpostoperative year. Conclusion: In Behçet's disease, coronary artery bypass grafting is a procedure with high mortality, especially in the acute period. The on-pump surgery technique in these cases can be safely performed for multiple bypasses and in patients above 40 years old.

Enfermedad de neuro-Behçet con paquimeningitis en una niña / Neuro-Behçet disease presented with pachymeningitis in a child

La enfermedad de Behçet (EB) es un trastorno de vasculitis sistémica poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida, que se caracteriza por la presencia de aftas bucales, úlceras genitales y uveítis recurrentes. Afecta los sistemas nerviosos central y periférico; raramente se produce durante la niñez. La meningitis aséptica aguda aislada es muy poco frecuente. En este artículo, se describe el caso de una paciente de 14 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Behçet con afectación neurológica (neuro-Behçet). La paciente tenía cefalea aguda, diplopia, papiledema e irritación meníngea. Tenía antecedentes de úlceras bucales recurrentes. Las imágenes por resonancia magnética de cerebro revelaron paquimeningitis. Los hallazgos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo fueron pleocitosis y aumento de la presión. Pese al tratamiento médico, sus síntomas no se resolvieron. No se detectó uveítis y la prueba de patergia fue negativa. El alelo HLA-B51 fue positivo. Se consideró que los hallazgos apuntaban a la poco frecuente enfermedad de Behçet con afectación neurológica. La paciente mejoró drásticamente luego del tratamiento con corticoesteroides. En el diagnóstico diferencial de meningitis, se debe considerar la EB, a menos que se demuestre la presencia de un agente infeccioso. Hasta donde sabemos, anteriormente no se había descrito un caso de paquimeningitis con neuro-Behçet en la población pediátrica.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare systemic vasculitis disorder of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent oral and genital apthae and uveitis. It involves the central or peripheral nervous system; occurs rarely during childhood. Isolated acute aseptic meningitis is extremely uncommon. We report here a case of Neuro-Behçet disease (NBD) diagnosed in a 14-year-old girl. The patient presented acute headache, diplopia, papilla edema, and meningeal irritation. She had a history of recurrent oral ulcers. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed pachymeningitis. Pleocytosis and pressure increase were the cerebrospinal fluid findings. Although medical therapy, her complaints were not resolved. Uveitis was not detected, pathergy test was negative. HLA-B51 allele was positive. The findings were considered to unusual NBD. The patient improved dramatically after steroid therapy. BD should be considered in differential diagnosis of meningitis unless an infectious agent is demonstrated. To our knowledge, a case of pachymeningitis with NBD, was not described in children.