A case of Behçet's disease with dural sinus thrombosis

Background: Dural sinus (cerebral venous) thrombosis (CVT) causes elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) due to disturbance of absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We report a case of Behçet's disease with CVT. Case Report: A 51-year-old male presented with oral ulcers, genital ulcers, erythema nodosum, and uveitis that were diagnosed as Behçet's disease of the complete type. Ophthalmologic examination disclosed bilateral papilledema with iridocyclitis. CSF was examined because papilledema had continued after disappearance of other signs of uveitis. Elevated ICP and CSF pleocytosis were found, leading to a diagnosis of neuro-Behçet's disease. Although CSF pleocytosis resolved rapidly with systemic administration of corticosteroid hormone, elevated ICP persisted. Magnetic resonance (MR) venography and cerebral angiography were performed and disclosed CVT as the cause of this patient's intracranial neurologic symptoms. As ICP normalized, papilledema gradually disappeared. Conclusion: Patients with Behçet's disease who have elevated ICP should be examined for possible concomitant occurrence of CVT.