[Multiple sclerosis and familial Mediterranean fever: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder.
• Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon in FMF patients.
• The co-occurrence of FMF and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is rarely documented.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old male with a history of FMF since age 17, treated with colchicine, presented with neurological symptoms.
• The patient experienced diplopia and leg numbness, followed by recurrent neurological events consistent with MS.
• Investigations for neuro-Behçet disease were negative despite aphthous ulcer development.

Findings:

• The case highlights a patient with both FMF and MS, presenting with neurological manifestations.
• The diagnostic process involved ruling out neuro-Behçet disease, a crucial differential diagnosis in FMF patients with neurological disorders.
• Current treatment for both FMF and MS remained unchanged based on the clinical presentation.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the limited literature on the association between FMF and MS.
• It underscores the importance of a thorough differential diagnosis for neurological symptoms in FMF patients.
• Further research is needed to clarify whether the co-occurrence of FMF and MS is coincidental or represents a true association.