Recurrent epididymo-orchitis in patients with Behcet's disease

Purpose: We study the clinical features of epididymo-orchitis in patients w ith Behcet's disease. Materials and Methods: Of 57 men with Behcet's disease 7 had epididymo-orch itis during the course of disease. A questionnaire was applied to all cases and the clinical features were recorded. HLA. class 1 was determined and a pathergy test was performed. Results: All 7 patients fulfilled the international study group criteria fo r Behcet's disease. All patients had recurrent oral ulcers, skin lesions (f olliculitis, erythema nodosum-like lesions) and uveitis, and 6 had recurren t genital ulcers, 2 arthritis, 1 vasculitis and 4 central nervous system in volvement. The pathergy test was positive in 4 patients and all had B5(51). The allele B5101 was present in 6 patients and 1 had B5102. Recurrences we re observed in 5 patients. Concurrent symptoms with epididymo-orchitis cons isted of oral ulcers, fever, uveitis, arthritis and penile ulcer. Colchicin e, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclosporine w ere administered. Conclusions: Epididymo-orchitis in patients with Behcet's disease is not as infrequent as believed. It was not the first manifestation of the disease but developed during followup. In any patient with epididymo-orchitis Behce t's disease should be considered, particularly in regions with a high preva lence of the disease.