[Haemoptysis as a complication of Behçet's disease]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Jul 16;149(29):1631-5.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Three patients, two Moroccan men aged 27 and 25 and a Turkish man aged 25, presented with haemoptysis caused by pulmonary aneurysm. The aneurysms had formed as a complication of Behçet's disease. Two of them were treated with high doses of corticosteroids. One man recovered and another died as a consequence of massive haemoptysis. The third man underwent emergency thoracotomy and pneumectomy due to massive haemoptysis. Postoperatively he was treated with cyclosporine resulting in full recovery. Behçet's disease is a multisystem vasculitis characterised by orogenital ulcerations and uveitis. In a minority of cases pulmonary aneurysms develop, often causing massive haemoptysis. Aneurysms are often accompanied by venous thrombosis. Treatment consists of immunosuppressive therapy. Nevertheless a considerable number of patients die following massive haemoptysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aneurysm / complications*
  • Aneurysm / etiology
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications*
  • Behcet Syndrome / mortality
  • Behcet Syndrome / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemoptysis / drug therapy
  • Hemoptysis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Artery*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones