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Behçet disease is a chronic inflammatory systemic disorder, characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. It manifests with oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions, uveitis, and vascular, central nervous system and gastrointestinal involvement. The main histopathological finding is a widespread vasculitis of the arteries and veins of any size. The cause of this disease is presumed to be multifactorial involving infectious triggers, genetic predisposition, and dysregulation of the immune system. As the clinical expression of Behçet disease is heterogeneous, pharmacological therapy is variable and depends largely on the severity of the disease and organ involvement. Treatment of Behçet disease continues to be based largely on anecdotal case reports, case series, and a few randomized clinical trials.

Objectives: Musculoskeletal conditions have only recently been acknowledged and research on their burden is scarce in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. For the first time, a population based study was conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence, level of disability, and health seeking behaviours related to musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders., Methods: A random sample of 500 participants aged ≥ 15 years from Southern Lebanon was interviewed using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) questionnaire., Results: The prevalence of current musculoskeletal pain was 31.2% [CI (27.0-35.2%)]. Being a female [OR=1.8, CI (1.2-2.8)] and of advancing age [OR=1.03, CI (1.01-1.05)] were the only significant factors associated with current musculoskeletal pain. Prevalence of current functional disability was 6.4% [CI (4.2-8.5%)]. Around quarter (26.0%) [CI (22.3-30.1%)] of our sample sought some kind of treatment. The overall prevalence rate of rheumatic disease was 17.0% [CI (13.7-20.3%)]., Discussion: Our findings indicate that musculoskeletal conditions are common in Lebanon. This is a timely public health issue that needs further investigation and solid recognition by health authorities. Community-based interventions should target patients to prompt them to seek early help in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal pain into disorders.

A 48-year-old woman presented with isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy. She subsequently developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Three years later, she presented again with sixth cranial nerve palsy affecting the contralateral eye. Within 2 weeks of steroid initiation, complete recovery occurred. The unusual rare presentation of SLE in the current patient, as well as the pathogenesis and treatment of cranial neuropathy in SLE are discussed.