An autopsy case of refractory vasculo-Behçet's disease

Mod Rheumatol. 2015 Mar;25(2):307-11. doi: 10.3109/14397595.2013.874755. Epub 2014 Feb 18.

Abstract

Pulmonary vascular involvement in Behçet's disease is a rare complication with a poor prognosis. We present an autopsy case of vasculo-Behçet's disease complicated by pulmonary hemorrhage, possibly caused by rupture of pulmonary artery aneurysms. The patient was treated with a combination of high-dose steroids and pulse cyclophosphamide, but he died from massive hemoptysis. This case highlights the need for potent new therapies for patients with vasculo-Behçet's disease refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, such as a combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide.

Keywords: Immunosuppressive therapy; Pulmonary artery aneurysm; Vasculitis; Vasculo-Behçet disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications
  • Behcet Syndrome / pathology*
  • Hemorrhage / complications
  • Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / complications
  • Lung Diseases / pathology*
  • Male