Clinical Features of Intestinal Behcet's Disease according to Disease Subtypes

Background/Aims: Intestinal Behcet's disease can be diagnosed when Behcet's disease patient has intestinal ulcers. The aim of this study was to recognize the clinical features and course of intestinal Behcet's disease according to disease subtypes. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who had intestinal lesions associated with Behcet's disease on colonoscopy between March, 2001 and May, 2006. Results: Of the 38 patients (18 men/20 women) enrolled, the mean age at diagnosis was 40.9 +/- 13.6 years. By Japanese criteria, 18 patients were classified in incomplete type, 8 in suspected type, and 8 in possible type. Four patients had only intestinal lesion without Behcet's manifestation. By International Study Group of Behcet's Disease criteria, 10 were met Behcet's disease, and 15 was suspected as Behcet's disease. Characteristics of intestinal ulcers were aphthous shape and ileocecal location. Five patients were reclassified during clinical course. There was no difference at clinical outcome according to prescribed medications. Conclusions: Not a few of intestinal Behcet's disease patients were difficult to meet the Behcet's disease criteria. Because clinical manifestations of intestinal Behcet's disease patients may be changed, it would be needed to reclassify disease subtypes with long-term follow-up.