Behçet's disease detecting by hemoptysis and recurrent epididymo-orchitis: A case report from Syria

Abstract

Behçet's disease is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, ocular lesions, and other manifestations. This disease affects many organs and systems, showing a wide range of clinical features. Although pulmonary artery involvement is not common in Behçet's disease, its presence carries a substantial risk of mortality. This report provides a detailed history of a 25-year-old male who was admitted with productive cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea on minimal exertion, fever, and chest pain. He had recurrent orchitis and epididymitis for 7 years, as well as oral and genital ulcers and severe headache. Clinical examination revealed decreased breath sounds at the right middle lung. Thoracic computed tomography angiography confirmed multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms bilaterally. The patient was diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and immunosuppression therapy was initiated. During follow-up, the patient did not report any complications. This case report underscores the significance for clinicians to consider Behçet's disease as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with hemoptysis and a history of orchitis and epididymitis, given that Behçet's disease rarely causes pulmonary artery aneurysms.

Keywords: Behçet’s disease; epididymitis; hemoptysis; orchitis; pulmonary artery aneurysm; vasculitis.

Figure 1.

Chest X-ray findings revealed pulmonary nodules in the left pulmonary hilum and the right middle zone.

Figure 2.

Computed tomography angiography was consistent with multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) bilaterally. (a) Left PAAs in the left pulmonary hilum. (b) Right PAAs in the right middle lobe.