Recurrent Pneumonia in Behçet's Syndrome

Abstract

THE PULMONARY manifestations of Behcet's syndrome have recently been reviewed with a detailed case report added to 12 previously reported cases.1Diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrations with hemoptysis were the presenting clinical features in ten of the previously reported cases. Serious extensive pulmonary infiltration and, at times, life-threatening hemoptysis in Behcet's syndrome were stressed. A recent patient presented a different clinical picture of recurrent, usually unilateral pneumonia reported during a 13-year period. Despite longstanding recurrent pulmonary involvement, neither severe hemoptysis nor respiratory insufficiency developed. Report of a Case A 48-year-old woman was examined because of bouts of recurrent pneumonia. She had episodes of croup during childhood and numerous bouts of pneumonia beginning in her 20s. Each episode was characterized by chilly sensations, fever, cough, but no sputum production. Roentgenogram verification of pneumonia dated to 1956, and the patient estimated that she had at least ten episodes of pneumonia requiring medical