Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is a rare, chronic, and recurrent systemic vasculitis characterized by recurring oral and genital ulcers, along with other auto-inflammatory symptoms. It primarily affects the small, medium, and large vessels, with a predilection for venous involvement, particularly in the pulmonary circulation. The disease is more common along the Silk Road, but its prevalence has increased globally. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to prevent long-term morbidity and mortality. This paper reports two cases of BD from the Dermatology Hospital of Bamako, Mali.

Case Reports
Case 1: A 28-year-old Malian female presented with recurrent oral and genital ulcers for four years. Despite previous treatments, lesions persisted, leading to the diagnosis of BD. She was successfully treated with methotrexate and prednisone, resulting in significant improvement after 21 days.
Case 2: A 34-year-old female schoolteacher with recurrent genital and oral ulcers sought treatment after a year of flare-ups. The diagnosis of BD was confirmed based on clinical criteria, and the patient experienced improvement after medical management.

Discussion: BD is primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation, with significant concerns regarding neurological and ocular involvement, which can result in permanent disability. Early intervention and multidisciplinary management, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, are key to controlling disease flares and preventing complications. Both cases highlight the challenges in patient education and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Conclusion: BD remains a challenging disease to diagnose and manage, requiring an integrated approach for optimal outcomes. Proper patient education, early diagnosis, and adherence to treatment protocols are crucial to improving prognosis and quality of life for affected individuals.