[An unusual cause of long-term fever: Behçet disease]

Presse Med. 1999 Dec;28(40):2221-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: Behçet's disease is an uncommon cause of prolonged fever. This misleading presentation is illustrated by a new case where fever occurred after polyvalent vaccination.

Case report: A 39-year-old female patient was seen for prolonged fever after returning from a trip to Africa. She had received polyvalent vaccinations prior to leaving France. At admission fever had persisted for 2 months. The diagnosis of Behçet's disease was finally established on the basis of clinical signs, buccogenital aphtosis and pathergy. Colchicine was partially effective against although low-grade persisted in the evening.

Discussion: Clinicians should be aware that Behçet's disease can provoke long-term fever which can sometimes be an inaugural sign. Sensitivity tests may be useful to identify the trigger, for example polyvalent vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behcet Syndrome / immunology*
  • Behcet Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Colchicine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Vaccination / adverse effects
  • Vaccines, Combined / adverse effects*
  • Vaccines, Combined / immunology

Substances

  • Vaccines, Combined
  • Colchicine