Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Coexistence of Takayasu's arteritis with familial Mediterranean fever

Figen Yargucu Zihni1, Melike Kalfa, Pınar Talu Ocakçı

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ege University School of Medicine, 80. Sk. No: 27/3, 35040, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.

Rheumatology International
|March 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autoinflammatory disease, can rarely coexist with large vessel vasculitis. This case report details an FMF patient who developed severe Takayasu arteritis, resistant to standard treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most prevalent autoinflammatory disorder, marked by recurrent fever and serositis.
  • FMF is known to associate with small and medium vessel vasculitides like Henoch-Schönlein purpura and polyarteritis nodosa.
  • Coexistence of FMF with large vessel vasculitis has not been previously documented.

Observation:

  • This report describes a patient diagnosed with FMF who subsequently developed Takayasu arteritis.
  • The patient experienced a severe disease course of Takayasu arteritis.
  • The condition proved resistant to corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive therapies.

Findings:

  • The patient with FMF and Takayasu arteritis required treatment with infliximab due to disease severity and resistance to other therapies.
  • This case highlights a novel association between FMF and large vessel vasculitis.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the spectrum of vasculitic pathologies associated with FMF.
  • It suggests the need for heightened vigilance for large vessel involvement in FMF patients, particularly those with refractory disease.
  • Further research may elucidate sharedPathogenic mechanisms between FMF and large vessel vasculitis.

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...