Behcet’s Disease
Behçet’s disease is a rare immune system disorder that causes inflammation in various parts of the body. People with Behçet’s (pronounced buh-CHETS) disease have recurrent, painful ulcers in the mouth and sometimes on the genitals, as well as lesions on the skin. More serious symptoms include inflammation in the eyes, the brain, or both; a bulge in the wall of an artery in the lungs, called an aneurysm; and obstruction of blood vessels. Behcet’s is considered a type of vasculitis, because it causes inflammation of blood vessels of nearly all sizes and types, including arteries and veins.
NYU Langone’s Behcet’s Disease Center, the only one of its kind in North America, focuses on the care of Behcet’s disease, vasculitis, and other related conditions. Doctors at the center are experts at diagnosing this condition and developing treatment plans, and have seen more than 1,000 people with Behcet’s syndrome from around the world.
For those unable to make the trip to New York, the center works with local doctors to provide expert consultation. The center also conducts research aimed at better understanding this syndrome and its treatment.
Treatment for Behcet’s Disease
Medication to reduce inflammation is the primary treatment for Behçet’s disease. Symptoms may have unpredictable active periods, or flare-ups, as well as times when symptoms disappear, or remissions. NYU Langone rheumatologists prescribe medications based on a person’s symptoms and test results, with the goal of keeping inflammation in check and the condition in remission for as long as possible.
Our Research and Education in Behcet’s Disease
Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities.