Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Behcet Disease

Behcet disease (BD) is an idiopathic vasculitis affecting multiple organs. Involvement of the GI tract is seen in up to 50% of cases. Specific GI tract manifestations include:

• ulceration: most common finding
• localized - usually in the ileocecal region
• diffuse - usually in the colon
• ulcers are deep, often penetrating to the serosal layer 
• recur at surgical anastamotic sites
• thickened mucosal folds in the small bowel
• increased incidence of fistulas and perforations
• microperforations are common due to deep, penetrating nature of ulcers

REFERENCES

Chae EJ, Do KH, Seo JB, et al. Radiologic and clinical findings of Behcet disease: comprehensive review of multisystemic involvement. Radiographics 2008;28:e31.

Chung SY, Ha HK, Kim JH, et al. Findings of Behcet syndrome involving the gastrointestinal tract. Radiographics 2001;21:911-24.