A study of the cutaneous manifestations of Behcet's disease in patients from the United States

Background: The type and frequency of different manifestations of Behcets d isease (BD) vary in different geographic areas. This variability could affe ct the ability to diagnose the disease in certain areas by using standardiz ed criteria. The frequency of cutaneous lesions in patients from the United States, where the disease is less prevalent, is not known. Objective: We sought to determine the frequency and type of skin lesions in a series of patients with ED from the United States and to identify method s of confirmation of these lesions as part of the disease process. Results: Cutaneous manifestations were present in 64% of patients with ED. Clinicians most often relied on their clinical diagnosis to identify lesion s as part of the spectrum of ED. Skin biopsy specimens were generally nonsp ecific. Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations were common in patients with ED from t he United States and usually were necessary to fulfill the diagnostic crite ria of the disease in most cases.