Be莽het鈥檚 Disease
The following information is courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH).
What is Beh莽et's disease?
Beh莽et's disease is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and harms the body's own tissues. This disease is also known as adamantiades.
What causes Beh莽et's disease?
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed that an autoimmune reaction may cause blood vessels to become inflamed, but it is not clear what triggers this reaction.
What are the symptoms of Beh莽et's disease?
Beh莽et's disease affects each person differently. The four most common symptoms are mouth sores, genital sores, inflammation inside of the eye, and skin problems. Inflammation inside of the eye (uveitis, retinitis, and iritis) occurs in more that half of those with Beh莽et's disease and can cause blurred vision, pain, and redness.
Other symptoms may include arthritis, blood clots, and inflammation in the central nervous system and digestive organs.
How is Beh莽et's disease treated?
There is no cure for Beh莽et's disease. Treatment typically focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing serious complications. Corticosteroids and other medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed to treat inflammation.
What is the prognosis for someone with Beh莽et's disease?
Beh莽et's is a chronic disease that recurs. However, patients may have periods of time when symptoms go away temporarily (remission). How severe the disease is varies from patient to patient. Some patients may live normal lives, but others may become blind or severely disabled.