The cause is not well-defined, but it is primarily characterized by auto-inflammation of the blood vessels. Although sometimes erroneously referred to as a diagnosis of exclusion, the diagnosis can sometimes be reached by pathologic examination of the affected areas. The primary mechanism of the damage is autoimmune, which by definition is an overactive immune system that targets the patient's own body. The involvement of a subset of T cells (Th17) seems to be important. The primary cause is not well known. In fact, no one knows yet why the immune system starts to behave this way in<unk> . There does however seem to be a genetic component involved, as first degree relatives of the affected patients are often affected in more than the expected proportion for the general population. Research suggests that previous infections may provoke the autoimmune responses present in<unk> . Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are present in some bacteria and serve as a "danger signal" to the immune system. However, some HSPs share a similarity in bacteria and humans. The anti-HSP60 and anti-HSP65 antibodies that target HSPs produced by Streptococci (including S. sanguinis and S. pyogenes) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis can also target human HSPs, leading to immune responses linked to uveitis and various symptoms shown in parenchymal neuro-Behçet's disease. An association with the GIMAP ("GTPase of the immunity-associated protein") family of genes on the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q36.1) has been reported. The genes implicated were GIMAP1, GIMAP2 and GIMAP4.
Behçet's disease
Stevens–Johnson syndrome
Chilaiditi syndrome
Reactive arthritis
Coats' disease
Febrile neutrophilic dermatosis
Sever's disease
Lhermitte's sign