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Published on: August 21, 2016
Familial Mediterranean fever without cardinal symptoms and role of genetic screening
T Ulas1, H Buyukhatipoglu, C Bes
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey. turgayulas@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by paroxysmal episodes of fever and serosal inflammation. The classical presentation is fever and severe recurrent abdominal pain due to serositis that lasts for one to three days and the resolves spontaneously. Between the episodes patients are asymptomatic. Ninety-five percent of patients with familial mediterranean fever have painful episodes localized to the abdomen, which is usually the dominant manifestation of the disease. Herein, we present a case of 34-year-old man with incomplete abdominal pain episode of familial mediterranean fever limited to the epigastrum and had no cardinals symptoms of this disease. The diagnosis was made by genetic screening. Successful treatment response was achieved by colchicine.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) typically presents with abdominal pain and fever. This case highlights an atypical epigastric pain presentation of FMF, diagnosed via genetic testing and treated successfully with colchicine.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder.
- Characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serosal inflammation, predominantly affecting the abdomen.
- Classical FMF presentation includes severe abdominal pain and fever, with patients asymptomatic between attacks.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male presented with an atypical, incomplete episode of FMF.
- Symptoms were limited to epigastric pain, lacking cardinal FMF signs like fever and widespread serositis.
- This presentation deviated significantly from the typical FMF phenotype.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of FMF was confirmed through genetic screening.
- The patient's atypical presentation underscores the variability in FMF manifestation.
- Genetic analysis is crucial for diagnosing uncommon FMF presentations.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of FMF clinical heterogeneity.
- Highlights the importance of genetic testing in diagnosing atypical autoinflammatory diseases.
- Successful colchicine treatment in this case reinforces its efficacy for FMF, even in unusual presentations.
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