title: Behçet's disease in black skin. A retrospective study of 50 cases in Dakar.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Behçet's disease is well-documented in Eastern populations, epidemiologic data in Sub-Saharan African population is scarce. The aim of this study was to define the epidemiologic and therapeutic aspects as well as clinical course of Behçet's disease in African black population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 50 patients with Behçet's disease. The average age was 32 (18-67) years. A total of 31 patients were men and 19 were women. Two patients had a positive family history of Behçet's disease. The oral and genital aphthous lesions were present in 100% of patients. The pathergy test was positive in 16 patients (32%). Following skin conditions were observed: pseudofolliculitis in 15 patients (30%), acneiform papules in 6 patients (12%), erythema nodosum in 4 patients (8%) and leg ulcers in one patient. Ocular involvement was reported in 22 patients (44%) and joint involvement in 20 patients (40%). Neurological abnormalities were noted in 12 patients (24%). Gastrointestinal involvement with wide and deep ulcerations in the ileocecal region was observed in a patient. As treatment, a combination of oral corticosteroids and colchicine was used in 97% of our patients. Thalidomide was introduced in 3 patients and anticoagulation treatment in 19 patients. Clinical improvement was noted in 25 patients (50%), recurrence in 14 patients (28%) and 3 patients were lost to follow (6%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Behçet's disease is not uncommon in black skin and generally affects young adults. Severe aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity and genital area are the most consistent finding.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Maodo
authors: M
authors: Ndiaye
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Aristide le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal.
authors: Aboubacary Sadikh
authors: AS
authors: Sow
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Abbaspour
authors: A
authors: Valiollah
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Moussa
authors: M
authors: Diallo
authors: Department of Dermatology, IHS Dakar Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Assane
authors: A
authors: Diop
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Rachidi Amal
authors: RA
authors: Alaoui
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Boubacar Ahy
authors: BA
authors: Diatta
authors: Department of Dermatology, IHS Dakar Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Fatimata
authors: F
authors: Ly
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Suzanne Oumou
authors: SO
authors: Niang
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Mame Thierno
authors: MT
authors: Dieng
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal;
authors: Assane
authors: A
authors: Kane
keywords: Behçet disease; colchicine; mucous membranes; phototype; ulcer