Thoracic CT findings of behcet disease

Objective: To illustrate the thoracic CT findings of Behcet disease and to assess the CT diagnostic role in patients with Behcet disease. Methods: Thoracic CT images and medical records were retrospectively reviewed in 13 patients with thoracic Behcet disease. The diagnosis was based on the criteria set by the international study group for Behcet disease. Results: Of 13 patients, subpleural patchy consolidations were showed in 3, bilateral diffuse ground glass opacities in 3, left low lobe collapse with a right small nodule in 1, subpleural solitary pulmonary nodule in 1, bilateral pleural effusion in 2, mediastinal lymphoadenopathy in 2, diffuse bilateral miliary lung nodules in 1 during treatment. Thoracic vascular involvement was presented in 8 patients, two with superior vena cava thrombosis, one with left subclavicle artery aneurysm, one with left low pulmonary artery aneurysm and mural thrombosis, one with bilateral low pulmonary arteries and left basilar artery aneurysm, three with right pulmonary artery thrombosis in which there were two with left pulmonary artery occlusion and one with left basilar artery branch aneurysm. Conclusions: Thoracic CT findings of Behcet disease are variable and nonspecific. Contrast-enhanced CT scan can be helpful by showing thrombosis of the superior vena cava and pulmonary artery as well aneurysm of the pulmonary artery. (authors)