Major vessel involvement in Behçet's disease: an update.
OBJECTIVE
Large vessel vasculitis occurs in a subgroup of patients with Behçet's disease who are at high risk for disease-related morbidity and mortality. Recognition of patients at risk, early detection of vasculitis, and aggressive treatment are essential for optimal care of these patients. We review the expanding knowledge on large vessel problems in Behçet's disease, highlighting recent contributions.


RESULTS
Vasculo-Behçet patients are at risk for multiple vessel-related complications including thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, and aneurysms. The primary reason for clot seems to be an inflammatory process in the vessel wall. Less invasive endovascular procedures are increasingly used to treat aneurysms in Behçet patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of earlier recognition, aggressive medical treatment, and novel surgical procedures, the morbidity and mortality of large vessel vasculitis in Behçet's disease are improving.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA. calamia@mayo.edu
Kenneth T
KT
Calamia
Michael
M
Schirmer
Melike
M
Melikoglu
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001167:Arteritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001528:Behcet Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020767:Intracranial Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000473:pathology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents