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Vascular comorbidities in familial Mediterranean fever

Z Birsin Ozçakar1, Fatoş Yalçınkaya

  • 1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Çınar Sitesi 5. Blok No: 62, Ümitköy, 06530, Ankara, Turkey.

Rheumatology International
|March 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), an autoinflammatory disorder caused by MEFV gene mutations, increases the risk of vascular issues. This review explores these associated vascular comorbidities in FMF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder.
  • It is characterized by recurrent fevers and polyserositis, linked to MEFV gene mutations affecting pyrin protein.
  • These mutations cause uncontrolled inflammation, potentially increasing vascular risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss vascular comorbidities in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever.
  • To highlight the link between FMF, its genetic basis, and cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar).
  • Relevant articles and case reports on FMF and vascular complications were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Various vasculitides and atherosclerosis are increasingly recognized in FMF patients.
  • Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare but severe complication.
  • FMF patients and even carriers exhibit a pro-inflammatory state linked to vascular risks.

Conclusions:

  • FMF is associated with a spectrum of vascular comorbidities, including vasculitis, atherosclerosis, and cardiac amyloidosis.
  • Understanding these risks is crucial for managing FMF patients.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the full scope of vascular problems in FMF.

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