Behçet’s disease masked by appendicitis: a case report of a 12-year-old child

Chronic multisystem vasculitis, Behçet’s disease (BD), is characterized by relapsing autoinflammatory episodes that may affect multiple body systems and organs. Despite their heterogeneous clinical manifestations, both clinical features and laboratory findings are frequently nonspecific. However, if the gastrointestinal tract is affected and non-specific clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool occur, it may make it difficult to distinguish between conditions such as appendicitis and inflammatory bowel disease. We reviewed the case of a 12-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with acute suppurative appendicitis and underwent appendectomy. In the post-operative period, the patient experienced recurrent fever and abdominal pain. Because the patient had recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and skin rashes and a positive pathergy test result, a final diagnosis of BD was made. We also reviewed the relevant literature to summarize and analyze this case. Data Access Statement: Research data supporting this publication are available from the NN repository at https://www.NNN.org/download/ . Early manifestations of BD in children are often subtle and incomplete, frequently leading to delayed recognition. Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients presenting with suggestive clinical features. Not applicable.