Behcet Syndrome

How is Behcet Syndrome diagnosed?

See how Behcet Syndrome is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Behcet Syndrome

Behcet Syndrome is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder that affects various parts of the body, including the blood vessels, skin, mucous membranes, and joints. Diagnosing Behcet Syndrome can be challenging due to its diverse symptoms and the absence of specific diagnostic tests. However, a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, and laboratory investigations can help in reaching a diagnosis.

Clinical Evaluation:

The first step in diagnosing Behcet Syndrome involves a thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, including any previous symptoms, family history of similar conditions, and the duration and frequency of symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination to assess the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms associated with Behcet Syndrome.

Diagnostic Criteria:

Behcet Syndrome is diagnosed based on a set of diagnostic criteria established by the International Study Group for Behcet's Disease. These criteria include the presence of recurrent oral ulcers (occurring at least three times in a year) and at least two of the following:

Recurrent genital ulcers

Eye inflammation (uveitis)

Skin lesions (such as erythema nodosum or pseudofolliculitis)

Positive pathergy test (a hypersensitive skin reaction to a needle prick)

If a patient meets these criteria, it increases the likelihood of a Behcet Syndrome diagnosis.

Laboratory Investigations:

While there are no specific laboratory tests to definitively diagnose Behcet Syndrome, certain investigations can help support the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These may include:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test can reveal abnormalities such as anemia, elevated white blood cell count, or increased platelet count, which may be present in Behcet Syndrome.

Inflammatory Markers: Blood tests to measure markers of inflammation, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), can be elevated in Behcet Syndrome.

HLA-B51 Genetic Testing: The presence of the HLA-B51 gene is associated with an increased risk of developing Behcet Syndrome, although it is not a definitive diagnostic test.

Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of skin lesions or oral/genital ulcers may be performed to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of vasculitis, which is a hallmark of Behcet Syndrome.

Eye Examination: Ophthalmologic evaluation is crucial as eye involvement is common in Behcet Syndrome. It may include a slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, and measurement of intraocular pressure.

Differential Diagnosis:

Behcet Syndrome shares symptoms with several other conditions, making it important to differentiate it from similar disorders. Some conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis include:

Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory bowel disease

Sarcoidosis

Reactive arthritis

Infectious causes (such as herpes or syphilis)

Thorough evaluation and exclusion of these conditions are necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis of Behcet Syndrome.

Conclusion:

Diagnosing Behcet Syndrome requires a comprehensive approach involving clinical evaluation, assessment of medical history, and laboratory investigations. The presence of recurrent oral ulcers and specific combinations of symptoms, as outlined in the diagnostic criteria, can aid in the diagnosis. Additionally, laboratory tests, genetic testing, and biopsies may be performed to support the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and managing Behcet Syndrome to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

by Diseasemaps

No specific test will confirm BD. Doctors have to look at your overall health and various symptoms because they don't happen all st the same time usually. Rheumatologist, Dermatologist, General Practioner, Opthamologist

3/15/17 by Joyce 401

My diagnosis was made by an Opthamologist and later confirmed by 3 different Rheumatologists. Generally a Rheumatologist would be the preferred specialist for someone diagnosed with Behcets; however, patients should also be followed by specialists who can assess and treat specific symptoms that the patient has. For example I see an opthamologist on a regular basis to ensure my eyes do not have any inflammation. There is a skin test that you can take to confirm Behcets; however, not all individuals with Behcets test positive for this test. The diagnosis is usually made based on an assessment of the patients symptoms.

4/28/17 by bleach 1000

There is no definitive test for BD. Skin markers test is the most reliable at this time. A rheumatologist generally makes the final diagnosis. There are inflammatory blood tests that can be performed yet many come back normal. MRIs of the brain can also be performed to check for neurological involvement. Genetic information can also be useful.

9/13/17 by wdebwill 850

There is no specific test it may come down to your symptoms and possibly a pathergy test

9/13/17 by Fallenangelld 700

There is a list of various symptômes. A dermatologist, an eye doctor, a rheumatologist, a GI Dr, a neurologist, an OB-gyn can diagnose Behcet. Also a blood test can be done : HLA-B51 positive is a sign.

9/17/17 by Carole-Anne Halsey 2000

Therr is no 1 straight forward test

10/24/17 by Linda Egan 1500

Recurrent genital ulcerations Eye lesions (uveitis or retinal vasculitis) observed by an opthalmologist Skin lesions (erythema nodosum, pseudofolliculitis, papulopustular lesions, acneiform nodules) found in adult patients not being treated with corticosteroids Positive "pathergy test" read by a physician within 24-48 hours of testing ANA test

7/31/18 by Merve Deniz 500

There is no cut and dry test to tell you have Behcet's. It is really diagnosing by symptoms, watching blood tests for inflammation, and the symptoms that present themselves. A doctor has to watch the symptoms and see what developed.

1/11/22 by Leah 900

I think Behcet's is diagnosed by symptoms and previous diagnosis with other criteria such as oral, genital ulcers, uveitis and eye problems, rashes, particular arthritis type symptoms, fatigue. There is a pathergy test to see if you have a certain reaction to a needle poke. Then a lot of patients are positive for HLA- b51 or 52.

3/15/22 by RonnieJ 3350

It is a clinical diagnosis which means there is NOT a test. There are international standards with a point system. Everyone must have oral apthous ulcers. It is the hallmark of the disease we all share. If you break out three times or more a year, you get the first point. It's best to be evaluated by a Dermatologist who specializes in rheumatology and have a punch biopsy done. Don't worry, it isn't too painful and heals quickly. Then, you need to have two or more of the following in order to be diagnosed: 1) Recurrent genital ulcerations - we are usually misdiagnosed with HSV despite a negative test 2) Eye lesions (uveitis or retinal vasculitis) observed by an opthalmologist which is the leading cause of blindness in Japan, so don't mess around. You should keep eye drops on hand. 3) Skin lesions (erythema nodosum, pseudofolliculitis, papulopustular lesions, acneiform nodules) found in adult patients not being treated with corticosteroids that usually present on the arms or legs. They can be extremely painful. They usually look like a dry version of the ulcers in our mouths. 4) Positive "pathergy test" read by a physician within 24-48 hours of testing which is why we have false positives for TB tests. I have had all five, but currently have three. I have been in remission and only had one.

3/16/22 by Shelby 2750

Translated from spanish Improve translation

For a few marcadorrs and colonoscopy

9/17/17 by Salvador. Translated

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