Atypical Intestinal Behçet's Disease Complicated by Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Clin Lab. 2025 Jan 1;71(1). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240749.

Abstract

Background: When Behçet's disease is complicated with gastrointestinal ulcers, it is referred to as intestinal Behçet's disease (BD). Clinically uncommon, this condition can involve the entire gastrointestinal tract, often presenting diagnostic challenges in differentiation from Crohn's disease.

Methods: In this case, atypical BD was diagnosed through endoscopic examination, whereas latent tuberculosis infection (LBTI) was confirmed via T-SPOT and PPD tests.

Results: Methylprednisolone was administered during acute flare-ups to promote rapid ulcer healing. Adalimumab, meanwhile, provided swift treatment for intestinal BD and helped maintain long-term remission in affected patients. Additionally, isoniazid and rifampicin were used for the treatment of LBTI.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates the complex and variable clinical course of BD, characterized by highly atypical presentations. As symptoms continue to develop and worsen over time, TNF-α inhibitors play a pivotal role in achieving long-term remission during treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behcet Syndrome* / complications
  • Behcet Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Behcet Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / complications
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Isoniazid / therapeutic use
  • Latent Tuberculosis* / complications
  • Latent Tuberculosis* / diagnosis
  • Latent Tuberculosis* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adalimumab
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Rifampin
  • Isoniazid
  • Methylprednisolone