A 38-year-old woman presents with recurrent oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and pathergy. She is from Turkey. The most characteristic vascular complication of her likely diagnosis is:

• A Aortic dissection
• B Renal artery stenosis
• C Pulmonary artery aneurysm ✓
• D Coronary artery aneurysm

Explanation

This is Behçet's disease, a systemic vasculitis affecting vessels of all sizes, most prevalent in Middle Eastern and Asian populations along the Silk Road. Pulmonary artery aneurysms are the most distinctive vascular complication, carrying significant mortality. The triad of oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis with pathergy positivity is characteristic. Behçet's uniquely causes both arterial aneurysms and venous thrombosis.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.