Clinical Characteristics of Neuro-Behçet's Disease: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Center in a Third World Country

Abstract Background Behçet Disease (BD) is a complex, multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by inflammatory processes in blood vessels. Neuro-Behçet's Disease (NBD) represents a rare yet debilitating manifestation of BD, demanding a comprehensive understanding of its clinical features, prevalence, and distinction between parenchymal and non-parenchymal involvement. Methods and Results A retrospective observational study was conducted, spanning the years 2000 to 2022, involving 262 patients diagnosed with BD at a tertiary medical center in Lebanon. Neurological involvement was diagnosed based on International Consensus Recommendation criteria. Patients were stratified into groups based on NBD severity and subtypes, and clinical data, including demographics, manifestations, and genetic factors collected. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess NBD severity. Among the BD cohort, 10.3% were diagnosed with NBD. Clinical manifestations in NBD included prevalent neurological symptoms, with headaches, weakness, and dizziness being most frequent. The study found a similar prevalence of NBD between genders, contrary to some regional studies. Interestingly, HLA B51 positivity was observed in 83.3% of patients tested which were only sixty. Further stratification revealed a higher proportion of severe disease in parenchymal NBD compared to non-parenchymal cases. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and clinical characteristics of NBD in a Middle Eastern population. Despite challenges in diagnosis and limited prevalence, the findings underscore the need for ongoing research to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and management of NBD. These insights contribute to the broader comprehension of BD, particularly in the context of the Middle East, emphasizing the significance of tailored approaches for effective patient care.