Behcet's syndrome in Jordanians : experience of a single rheumatology unit

Abstract EN

Objectives: To study the characteristics of Behcet'', syndrome and the geographic variations in differen regions in Jordan.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 60 Jordaniar patients, attending a newly established rheumatology clinic at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC) in tht period between 1998-2000.

Results: Forty-four male and sixteen femalepatients with a ratio of 2.75 : 1 were included in this study.

Orat ulceration occurred in 100% of patients, skin changes were noticed in 92 % and arthritis in 40 %.

Vasculai complications occurred in 50 % of patients.

Twenty eight male patients had vascular complications versus two female patients.

Pathergy test was positive in 52 %, ocular disease in 34 %, and cerebrovascular accidents in 10 % of cases.

Sixty five percent ofpatients were from the northern part of Jordan.

Conclusion: Behcet's syndrome is a common disordei in Jordan.

It is observed more in the northern than in the southern part of the kingdom.

Vascular, neurological and eye involacvement are the main causes of morbidity, and ruptured pulmonary artery aneurysms are one of the main causes oj mortality.