A family study of Behcet's syndrome

Abstract

The first degree family members of patients with Behcet's syndrome were investigated to determine (1) whether there was a familial aggregation of Behcet's syndrome or of its component features, (2) whether there was an increased incidence of sacroiliitis in these families, and (3) whether a link exists between Behcet's syndrome and spondarthritides in first-degree relatives. Of the 226 relatives and patients seen, 21 patients with definite Behcet's sydrome and their 71 relatives were analysed in some detail. Orogenital ulceration was found in 2 mothers of probands; 1 patient had psoriasis and Behcet's but neither disease featured in the pedigree. Another family showed numerous manifestation of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, 1 member having severe sacroiliitis but the proband had Behcet's syndrome only. Family trees including HLA pedigrees, where known, are presented. Spouse suffered few of the complaints found in patients, and to a lesser extent in relatives, but showed a high incidence of backache, perhaps of psychogenic origin.