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Relapsing polychondritis and familial Mediterranean fever--an association

Edward B Miller1, Joshua A Friedman, Yonatan Lahav

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine D, Kaplan Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, POB 1, Rehovot, Israel. Edward_m@clalit.org.il

Clinical Rheumatology
|January 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are rare systemic inflammatory diseases. This study identified two patients with both RP and FMF, suggesting a potential link between these distinct conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Genetics and Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Relapsing polychondritis (RP) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are distinct systemic inflammatory disorders.
  • Previous reports suggest a potential association between RP and FMF, but with limited clinical data.

Observation:

  • Two patients with biopsy-proven RP and genetically confirmed FMF were identified.
  • One patient had FMF heterozygosity, indicating a genetic link.

Findings:

  • The study identified two cases linking relapsing polychondritis and familial Mediterranean fever.
  • These findings support a sparsely documented relationship between these seemingly separate disorders.

Implications:

  • Highlights a potential connection between RP and FMF, warranting further investigation.
  • Suggests genetic factors may play a role in the co-occurrence of these inflammatory conditions.

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