Upper Aerodigestive Tract Manifestations of Behçet's Disease: Review of 30 Cases

Abstract

This review of 30 cases of Behçet's disease seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1965 and 1975 describes the multisystem nature of the disease and emphasizes its upper aerodigestive tract manifestations. The major clinical features include aphthous ulceration of the upper aerodigestive tract and genitalia, ocular inflammation, cutaneous vasculitis, and synovitis; less frequent features are meningoencephalitis and thrombophlebitis. There are no specific laboratory abnormalities, and corticosteroids remain the mainstay of therapy.