Upper gastrointestinal abnormalities and Helicobacter pylori in Behçet's disease


Çakmak S. K., Çakmak A., Gül Ü., Sulaimanov M., Bingöl P., Hazinedarǒlu M. S.

International Journal of Dermatology, cilt.48, sa.11, ss.1174-1176, 2009 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

Özet

Background: There are few published clinical trials concerning upper gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in Behçet's disease (BD), and most have been performed on patients with upper GI tract symptoms. Aim: We sought to determine whether routine endoscopy is indicated in asymptomatic patients with BD and whether Helicobacter pylori plays a role in the pathogenesis of BD. Methods: Forty consecutive patients with BD and 40 age- and gender-matched controls with tinea pedis were studied. All patients underwent fiberoptic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Urea breath test was used to identify H. pylori. Results: Abnormalities were noted in 37 patients (93%): hiatal hernia (53%), antral gastritis (33%), pan-gastritis (23%), gastric ulceration (8%), and duodenal ulceration (8%). Helicobacter pylori was found in 26 patients (65%) with BD and in 28 controls (70%) (no significant difference by chi-squared test, P > 0.05). We found a high incidence of upper GI abnormalities in BD, but the abnormalities were not specific for the disorder. Conclusions: Routine endoscopy and screening for H. pylori infection may not be necessary in asymptomatic patients with BD. © 2009 The International Society of Dermatology.