A retrospective analysis of 7 cases of familial mediterranean fever.

BACKGROUND: Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is a single inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by periodic fever with relatively short duration of 1 to 3 days and sterile serositis. Although the prevalence rate is highest in the Mediterranean coastal area, a large number of cases have been reported recently by genetic analysis by identification of MEFV (Mediterranean fever) which is responsible gene in Japan too. In outpatient department of rheumatology, diagnosis and treatment of FMF is performed in cases where fever and abdominal pain attack are repeated for a short period of time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined cases in which symptoms considered periodic seizures were repeated, excluding autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and malignant tumors. In both cases, genetic analysis is performed as auxiliary diagnosis.

RESULTS: Seven cases satisfied the Tel-Hashomer criteria criteria and MEFV gene mutation was detected. Everyone was a female, and half had seizure symptoms at menstruation. Even though there is a difference in the amount of colchicine to be used, either one is effective.

CONCLUSION: In cases of periodic symptoms or cases called periodic fever, exclusion diagnosis is carried out, there is a need to suspect FMF, determine the effect of colchicine, and perform genetic analysis.