Behcet Basics for Primary Care: Diagnosis

Behçet disease (BD) is rare in the United States (5.2 per 100,000 population) but may result in significant morbidity and mortality, says the American Behçet's Disease Association (ABDA). Because there is no specific diagnostic test for this multisystem inflammatory disorder and diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, the correct diagnosis often is not made until more than 5 years from the onset of symptoms.

Patient care and treatment often require a multidisciplinary team, and rheumatologists are the main physicians involved. But primary care physicians are in a key position to suspect and detect BD in their patients and refer them to a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis and initiate a treatment plan.