Radiologic findings of Behçet syndrome involving the gastrointestinal tract.

Chung SY, Ha HK, Kim JH, Kim KW, Cho N, Cho KS, Lee YS, Chung DJ, Jung HY, Yang SK, Min YI.
Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 388-1 Poongnap-Dong, Songpa-Ku, Seoul 138-736, Korea.

Radiographics. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4):911-24; discussion 924-6

Behçet syndrome is characterized by the histopathologic finding of nonspecific vasculitis in multiple organs. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the combination of clinical signs and symptoms. This disease involves the gastrointestinal tract in 10%-50% of patients, and the terminal ileum and cecum are chiefly affected. Barium study is useful in demonstrating the characteristic radiographic features of Behçet syndrome involving the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of deep, penetrating ulcers results in a high rate of complications, such as perforation, fistula, hemorrhage, and peritonitis. Furthermore, recurrence of disease adjacent to or at the surgical anastomosis is common. Computed tomography is useful in determining the extent of the lesions and in identifying cases in which complications are likely to occur. Familiarity with the various radiologic findings of Behçet syndrome involving the gastrointestinal tract helps in making an early diagnosis, as well as in establishing an appropriate treatment strategy.

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