Behçet syndrome is a chronic inflammatory symptom complex consisting of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, nonspecific ulcerative lesions of the genital area, and uveitis.1.2 Arthritis and nonulcerative dermatologic manifestations, such as erythema nodosum, thrombophlebitis, and pyoderma, have been reported in association with the major triad.3.4 In over 10% of the cases, lesions of the central nervous system occur.5-7
Ample data are available to suggest that when only two of the three major manifestations are present ("incomplete" Behçet syndrome), the course and natural history are the same as they are with the "complete" triad.5-9 Extensive studies have demonstrated the serious potential of this illness, especially with regard to vasculitis in the brain3.7.9.10 and various inflammatory lesions of the eye.4.11
A number of patients with "Behçet syndrome" have been reported to have chronic ulcerative colitis, and such colitis is now recognized by some as an additional complication of