Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histopathologic Gastrointestinal Disease in an American Cohort With Behçet's Disease

Authors

Bryan F Curtin
Kareen L Hill
Sumona Bhattacharya
Astin Powers
Aradhana Venkatesan
Preet Bagi
Elizabeth Joyal
Meghna Alimchandani
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky
Peter Grayson
Martha Quezado
Cailin Sibley
Theo Heller

Publication Date

8-1-2023

Journal

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic vasculitis characterized by oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. Patients with BD may develop gastrointestinal (GI) disease; however, characterization of GI disease in American cohorts is lacking. In this article, we present clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic GI findings in an American cohort of patients with BD.

METHODS: Patients with established BD were evaluated prospectively at the National Institutes of Health. Demographic and clinical data were collected including BD manifestations and GI symptoms. Endoscopy with histopathologic sampling was performed for both clinical and research indications with written consent.

RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were evaluated. The majority were female (83.1%) and white (75.9%). Mean age was 36 ± 14.8 years. GI symptoms were reported in 75% of cohort with nearly half of reporting abdominal pain (48.2%) and significant numbers reporting acid reflux, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 37 patients; erythema and ulcers were the most common found abnormalities. Colonoscopy was performed in 32 patients with abnormalities including polyps, erythema, and ulcers. Endoscopy was normal in 27% of esophagogastroduodenoscopies and 47% of colonoscopies. Vascular congestion was demonstrated on the majority of random biopsies throughout the GI tract. Inflammation was not highly prevalent on random biopsies except in the stomach. Wireless capsule endoscopy was performed on 18 patients; ulcers and strictures were the most common abnormalities.

DISCUSSION: GI symptoms were common in this cohort of American patients with BD. Endoscopic examination was often normal; however, histopathologic examination demonstrated vascular congestion throughout the GI tract.

Keywords

Humans, Male, Female, United States, Young Adult, Adult, Middle Aged, Behcet Syndrome, Ulcer, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Colonoscopy, Capsule Endoscopy

Comments

PMID: 37114910