clobetasol and Behcet-Syndrome

This report describes a young black Caribbean woman with a three-year history of recurrent genital ulceration initially diagnosed as genital herpes. This diagnosis had been made clinically by the general practitioner but never confirmed on culture or nucleic acid amplification testing; sequential treatment with aciclovir and famciclovir over a four-month period did not alleviate her genital symptoms. Presentation to our genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic identified painful aphthous genital and oral ulcers, erythema nodosum bilaterally and a history of eye irritation. A clinical diagnosis of Behçet's disease was made. Treatment with hydrocortisone mouth pellets and dermovate ointment was initiated in addition to dermatology and ophthalmology referral. This report reminds clinicians to consider alternative diagnoses in clinical practice when faced with patients who are resistant to treatment. It also highlights the importance of recognizing systemic disease and maintaining a holistic approach when treating patients.

Topics: Adult; Behcet Syndrome; Clobetasol; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Oral Ulcer; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Ulcer; Vulvar Diseases

Behçet's disease is the most common cause of pulmonary artery aneurysms. Pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare, but they are life-threatening because of their high tendency to rupture. However, there is also a chance that the aneurysms may completely resolve with immunosuppressive therapy. A 30-year-old man was admitted with chest pain, painful oral and genital ulcers, skin rash, weakness, and intermittent hemoptysis. He had a history of Behçet's disease for 6 years. The chest radiography showed a round opacity superior part of hilus on right. The helical thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated pulmonary aneurysms associated with Behçet's disease. The patient was successfully treated with colchicine, corticosteroids, and cyclophosphamide. A discussion about pulmonary artery aneurysms associated with Behçet's disease is provided in this case.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aneurysm; Behcet Syndrome; Clobetasol; Colchicine; Cyclophosphamide; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Methylprednisolone; Prednisone; Pulmonary Artery; Pulse Therapy, Drug; Radiography, Thoracic; Tomography, Spiral Computed; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Behcet Syndrome; Clobetasol; Female; Humans; Vaginal Diseases