Abstract

Background/Aims
Intestinal Behet's disease (BD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality of BD because it frequently results in serious complications such as perforation and bleeding. But clinical course of intestinal BD is not well-known. The aim of this study was to review clinical manifestations of intestinal BD, and to compare clinical findings of complete and incomplete types with those of suspected type. Methods: From June 1989 to January 2005, 87 patients who had colonoscopic evidence of intestinal BD and met the criteria proposed by BD Research Committee of Japan were enrolled in this study. Clinical manifestations were collected by retrospective review of medical records. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 38.4 years (14-66) and sex ratio was 2：1. Abdominal pain was the most frequent gastrointestinal symptom. A single, round ulcer localized at the ileocecal area was the most common colonoscopic finding. Cumulative incidence of first and second operation in 10 years was 30.9% and 38.2%, respectively. Clinical manifestations of suspected type were not different from those of complete and incomplete types. Conclusions: Long-term follow up and close observation is needed for patients with intestinal BD. Although suspected type does not meet the criteria proposed by International Study Group for BD, it should be considered as BD. (Intest Res 2005; 3:48-54)

• Keywords: Behet's disease, Intestine