Behçet disease (thoracic manifestations)

Thoracic manifestations in Behçet disease have a wide spectrum of appearances.

Epidemiology

The reported prevalence of thoracic involvement of Behçet disease is thought to range around 1-8% .

Radiographic features

CT

Chest HRCT can demonstrate the entire spectrum of thoracic manifestations of Behçet disease:

• vascular abnormalities
  • pulmonary arterial aneurysms
    • are the most common pulmonary manifestation of Behçet disease
    • can occur with thrombosis, which is less common
    • in the majority of patients, these are multiple and saccular 
    • usually, range around 1-7 cm
  • pulmonary arterial thromboembolism
  • thrombosis involving the superior vena cava
  • main pulmonary arterial ectasia
  • pulmonary infarction
  • pulmonary hemorrhage
  • vasculitis of the pleura and pericardium
  • features of an aortitis
  • sinus of valsalva aneurysms 
  • pulmonary venous varices 

• pulmonary parenchymal and airway abnormalities (uncommon) 
  • mild central bronchiectasis
  • atelectasis
  • subpleural nodules
  • features of interstitial lung disease

See also

• Behçet disease
• Behçet disease (CNS manifestations)