Juvenile Behçet syndrome: a contemporary view and differential diagnosis in pediatric practice

Abstract

Purpose of review This review aims to provide a comprehensive and contemporary overview of juvenile Behçet syndrome (jBS), highlighting its clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies. Recent findings Behçet syndrome, with its intricate etiopathogenesis and diverse clinical phenotypes, is more aptly classified as a syndrome than a single disease. Its heterogeneous nature requires a broad diagnostic approach and sophisticated differential diagnosis capabilities. The relatively rare occurrence of Behçet syndrome, combined with incomplete clinical presentations and overlapping differential diagnoses, presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in pediatric cases. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in treatment, especially in managing inflammatory components and preventing complications. Juvenile patients, given their developmental stage, require distinct therapeutic strategies compared to adults, with careful consideration of treatment side effects on growth and psychosocial development. Summary To ensure early identification of jBS, it is imperative to refine and develop diagnostic criteria specifically tailored to pediatric populations. With a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms, treatment protocols should be designed to address the developmental, psychosocial, and individual needs of patients, aiming to minimize long-term side effects. Additionally, comprehensive studies considering age, sex, and ethnic differences are necessary to fill gaps in the literature and resolve existing inconsistencies.