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Published on: June 20, 2014
Cardiac manifestations of Familial Mediterranean fever
Ahmad Alsarah1, Osama Alsara2, Heather S Laird-Fick1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is autoinflammatory disorder characterized by sporadic attacks of fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, and arthritis. It is mainly seen in patients from Mediterranean origins, but it is now reported more frequently in Europe and North America due to immigration. To analyze the data on the cardiovascular manifestations in FMF patients, we searched PubMed using the terms "Familial Mediterranean Fever" or "FMF" in combination with other key words including "cardiovascular diseases" "pericardial diseases" "atherosclerosis" "coronary artery diseases" "cardiomyopathy" "pulmonary hypertension" or "valvular diseases." suggested several mechanisms to explain the cardiac involvements in FMF including the ongoing inflammation and the amyloid deposits in the heart and vessels' walls at the advanced stages of FMF. The course of these manifestations varies widely, but it can associate with poor prognosis in some cases such as with pulmonary hypertension. Interestingly, Colchicine, which is the cornerstone therapy of FMF, plays a vital role in treating and preventing some of these disorders. In this article, In this article, we will discuss the incidence, pathophysiology, and prognosis of the various cardiac manifestations affecting FMF patients.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) can cause serious cardiovascular issues like pulmonary hypertension due to chronic inflammation and amyloid deposits. Colchicine therapy may help prevent and treat these FMF-related heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder.
- Characterized by recurrent fever, serositis (peritonitis, pleuritis), and arthritis.
- Increasingly reported globally due to population migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cardiovascular manifestations in FMF patients.
- Investigate the link between FMF and various heart conditions.
- Review the role of colchicine in managing cardiac involvement.
Main Methods:
- PubMed search using keywords: "Familial Mediterranean Fever" or "FMF" combined with cardiovascular terms.
- Analysis of existing data on cardiac involvement in FMF.
- Review of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- FMF is associated with diverse cardiovascular conditions.
- Mechanisms include chronic inflammation and amyloid deposition.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a severe manifestation with poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular involvement is a significant concern in FMF patients.
- Early detection and management are crucial.
- Colchicine shows promise in preventing and treating cardiac manifestations.
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