Cardiac Involvement In Patients With Behcet’s Disease: A Retrospective, Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Behcet’s disease (BD) is well-known with mucocutaneous involvement, whereas the heart may rarely be involved, predicting morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to reveal the clinical characteristics of cardiac involvement in BD. We retrospectively screened 800 BD patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 for cardiac involvement. 14 patients who met these criteria were recruited in this study. Demographic information, clinical features, treatment modalities, and prognosis were evaluated. All patients were male and smokers. The mean age for cardiac involvement was estimated at 32.5 ±7,8 years. Cardiac involvement developed in one-third of the patients before disease diagnosis. Patients were classified into three major groups: 8 of intracardiac thrombosis (ICT), 2 of coronary artery aneurysms, and 4 of myocardial infarction (MI). The majority of ICT was seen in the right ventricle (6 out of 8). In all MI cases, the left main coronary artery was totally occluded. Deep vein thrombosis was seen in 57% of patients. Apart from steroids, cyclophosphamide was the most common preferred agent, used in 9 patients. Azathioprine and interferon use were seen in 4 cases. Warfarin was used in 10 patients and 4 cases received an antithrombotic agent. Mortality was seen in 2 cases due to unknown causes. Cardiac involvement is rare, but a serious manifestation of BD. ICT was the most common type with mostly involved the right heart chambers. Male gender and smoking were found as the most important associated risk factors in this population.