Behçet's syndrome: a review for the genitourinary medicine physician.

Behcet's syndrome is a multisystem disorder due to vasculitis of unknown aetiology. It may present to genitourinary medicine physicians with genital ulceration. Careful history-taking and clinical examination should allow a correct diagnosis which may be confirmed by reference to the new diagnostic criteria including performing a pathergy test. Of particular importance is a prompt referral to an ophthalmologist for an ocular slit-lamp assessment as eye involvement can be severe and therapy needs to be started early in the course of the illness. The management of Behçet's syndrome may also involve rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and immunologists. Close liaison between these clinicians may be necessary to provide optimum care for the patient with Behçet's syndrome.