Preface

Behçet's disease is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory multisystem disease characterized by oral and genital ulcers, cutaneous lesions, and ocular and articular involvement of unknown etiology. It can also affect the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. It can cause severe systemic involvement, morbidity, and even mortality. Genetic factors have been investigated extensively, and have defined new genetic polimorphisms associated with the disease. Research into the immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease has increased our knowledge of this subject. The diagnosis of Behçet's disease is based on clinical criteria, as there is no pathognomonic test. In Behçet disease, there is a wide variety of mucocutaneous and systemic findings that can be confused with many diseases in differential diagnosis. Therefore, being aware of the disease and recognizing the mucocutaneous symptoms would lead to accurate diagnosis. The aim of this book is to present information to our colleagues in different branches of medicine by discussing the genetic and immunologic etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and relationship with pregnancy of Behçet's disease in five chapters:


We believe that this book will be a valuable reference to students, researchers, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals interested in Behçet's disease. We are very grateful to all the authors for their efforts and patience needed to bring about this book.

#### **Müzeyyen Gönül, MD**

Associate Professor, Health Science University, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital Dermatology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey

#### **Arzu Kılıç, MD**

Professor, Balıkesir University, Dermatology Department, Balıkesir, Turkey

**1**

Section 1

An Overview of Behçet's

Disease

Section 1
