[False aneurysm of the internal iliac artery in Behçet's disease].

OBJECTIVES

This case illustrates a very rare localization of false aneurysm in Behçet's disease and demonstrates the importance of monitoring treated patients.

CASE REPORT

The diagnosis of severe Behçet's disease was established in a young man after discovery of a cerebral venous thrombosis. One year later, the patient required emergency surgery for a symptomatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery.

RESULTS

Performed after a 3-day regimen of corticosteroid boluses, the pseudoaneurysm was treated by ligation of the hypogastric artery. Corticosteroids were then given for immunosuppression.

DISCUSSION

Arterial involvement in Behçet's disease can be at the forefront of the clinical features and can cause potentially fatal complications. False aneurysm of the internal iliac artery is exceptional with only two cases reported in the literature. These false aneurysms occur on a fragile artery wall. Treatment requires the administration of immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSION

This rare clinical presentation highlights the importance of clinical and radiological monitoring in young patients with Behçet's disease.