A case of complete type of Behcet's disease with esophageal ulcers

The complete type of Behcet's disease with esophageal ulcers is extremely rare in Japan. We report here a case of the complete type of Behcet's disease with recurrent multiple shallow ulcers of the esophagus. A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to dysphasia, pain in oral cavity and fever. He was diagnosed as having Behcet's disease on 1971 and treated with oral administration of colchicine (0.5g/day). He had oral and genital ulcers and skin lesions on admission. Laboratory data disclosed accelerated ESR, positive CRP and leukocytosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple shallow small ulcers and erosions in the upper and middle esophagus. The histology of biopsy specimens showed non-specific inflammation. Oral administration of colhicine at an increase dose (1.0mg/day) was effective. Thus, esophageal ulcers were considered as an esophageal involvement of Behcet's disease. Nineteen months later, esophageal ulcer recurred with aggravation of other Behcet's disease symptoms.