Vasculitis in Behçet's disease.

Vasculitis of arteries and veins is an important feature of Behçet's disease. When it occurs in systemic or pulmonary arteries or in large veins it is life threatening. Retinal vasculitis is the hallmark of eye disease, and much of the central nervous system disease is linked to small artery occlusions. Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs has improved the prognosis for sight and life.