Behcet's disease: general concepts and recent advances

Purpose of review To summarize general concepts of Behcet's disease as well as present recent scientific developments in delineating the pathogenesis and treatment of this disorder. Recent findings Large, long-term follow-up studies on patients with Behcet's disease have shown improved visual outcomes in recent years when compared wit decades ago, presumable due to the more aggressive use of immunosuppressive agents. Increased T-helper cell type 1 activity and increased hypercoagulability continue to be a focus of research into the pathogenesis of the disease. Advanced oxidation protein products and a Behcet's disease activity index may be useful tools for following disease activity. Finally studies of new treatment modalities, particularly infliximab, interferon alpha and granulocytapheresis, have reported encouraging results. Summary Historically a scourge among uveitic disorders there is new hope for improved long-term visual outcomes in patient with Behcet's disease based on recent scientific advances.