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Review
. 2007 Aug 31;48(4):573-85.
doi: 10.3349/ymj.2007.48.4.573.

Mucocutaneous lesions of Behcet's disease

Erkan Alpsoy  1 , Christos Constantin Zouboulis, George Edward Ehrlich
Affiliations
Review

Mucocutaneous lesions of Behcet's disease

Erkan Alpsoy et al. Yonsei Med J. .

Abstract

Behcet's disease is particularly prevalent in "Silk Route" populations, but it has a global distribution. The diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical criteria as there is as yet no pathognomonic test, and mucocutaneous lesions, which figure prominently in the presentation and diagnosis, may be considered the diagnostic hallmarks. Among the internationally accepted criteria, painful oral and genital ulcers, cutaneous vasculitic lesions and reactivity of the skin to needle prick or injection (the pathergy reaction) are considered hallmarks of Behcet's disease, and often precede other manifestations. Their recognition may permit earlier diagnosis and treatment, with salutary results. This paper describes the various lesions that constitute the syndrome and focuses on those that may be considered characteristic.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Clinical photograph showing multiple oral ulcers of Behçet's disease with grayish yellow necrotic base and erythematous surrounds on the lower lip mucosa.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Oral ulcer on the lateral side of the tongue with rolled borders and yellow necrotic base.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Genital ulcer on the scrotum which is the most frequently involved site in male patients.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Genital ulcer together with a pustule on the vestibule in a female patient.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Several papulopustular lesions on erythematous base on the trunk.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Erythema nodosum-like lesions; tender, 1 to 3 cm, erythematous nodules on the lower extremities in a female patient.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Superficial thrombophlebitis with erythematous, tender, subcutaneous nodules arranged in a linear fashion in a male patient.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Extragenital ulceration resembling aphthous lesions of the disease in the axillae region.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
The skin pathergy test positivity is defined as at least a papule or pustule on an erythematous base observed at the needle-prick site 48 hours after application of a sterile needle that penetrated to the corium of an avascular site on the forearm.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Acral purpuric papulonodular lesion in a female patient with Behçet's disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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