Neuro-Behçet's disease: report of three cases with a review of the literature

Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi. 1990 Mar;6(3):155-62.

Abstract

We report three cases of neuro-Behçet's disease, including one woman and two men (age range 52-56 years), who displayed symptoms of high fever, headache and confusion. The EEG showed generalized slowing in two cases, and periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in one. Brain CT scans from two patients revealed cortical atrophy with multiple low density areas in one case, and focal contrast enhancement in the other. The CSF study revealed pleocytosis in all cases, but only one showed lymphophagocytosis. All of the patients responded dramatically to steroid therapy, although administration of the drug was somewhat delayed in two cases, during which initial management was aimed at the CNS infection of bacterial origin. Recurrent attacks of confusion or mental dullness were found in two patients, and high cortical dysfunction persisted on follow-up for some time. The clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and neuroradiological features of neuro-Behçet's disease in the reported cases are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behcet Syndrome / complications*
  • Behcet Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phagocytosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed