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Published on: August 26, 2025
Patient with Recurrent Polyserositis (Familial Mediterranean Fever)
Arun Agarwal1, Samiksha Sharma2
1Senior consultant and Head, Department of Internal Medicine.
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autosomal recessive ,systemic, auto-inflammatory disorder characterized by sporadic, unpredictable attacks of fever and serosal inflammation. FMF is caused by mutations in MEFV, a gene located on the short arm of chromosome 16 (16p13) which encodes a protein 'Pyrin'. The disorder has been given various names including familial paroxysmal polyserositis, periodic peritonitis, recurrent polyserositis, benign paroxysmal peritonitis, and periodic disease or periodic fever, As the name indicates, FMF occurs within families and is much more common in individuals of Mediterranean descent than in persons of any other ethnicity. It has been described in several ethnic groups including Sephardic Jews, Armenians, Turks, North Africans, Arabs, Greeks, and Italians. However, the disease is not restricted to these groups and sporadic cases have been reported. Diagnosis is usually clinical and it classically presents with unprovoked, recurrent attacks of fever and painful polyserositis mainly affecting the peritoneum (most common), synovium, and pleura that usually (but not always) begin in childhood. We present a atypical case of FMF with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and FMF who had no fever, Mediterranean ancestory or family history and discuss his clinical features,diagnosis and management.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an auto-inflammatory disorder. This case highlights an atypical FMF presentation without fever, Mediterranean ancestry, or family history, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary systemic auto-inflammatory disorder.
- It is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, encoding the Pyrin protein.
- Classic FMF presents with recurrent fever and polyserositis, typically in childhood.
Observation:
- This report details an atypical FMF case.
- The patient presented with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and FMF.
- Notably, the patient lacked fever, Mediterranean ancestry, and a family history of FMF.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of FMF can be challenging in atypical presentations.
- The absence of classic symptoms necessitates broader diagnostic considerations.
- This case underscores the importance of considering FMF even without typical epidemiological or clinical features.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of FMF's clinical spectrum.
- It highlights the need for vigilance in diagnosing FMF in diverse patient populations.
- Further research may elucidate genetic or environmental factors influencing FMF presentation.
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