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Familial Mediterranean fever presenting with massive cardiac tamponade
S Zimand1, T Tauber, T Hegesch
1Department of Pediatrics, Hssaf Harofeh Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|January 1, 1994
Abstract:
A 16-year-old girl, presenting initially with pericarditis and life threatening pericardial tamponade, developed clinical episodes characteristic of FMF few months later. This case report and several others reported previously, suggest that FMF should be considered in patients from certain ethnic groups presenting with pericardial effusion.
Insights
Pericarditis with tamponade in a teen may signal Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Clinicians should consider FMF in at-risk ethnic groups with pericardial effusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pericarditis and pericardial tamponade are serious cardiac conditions.
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female initially presented with pericarditis and life-threatening pericardial tamponade.
- Following initial presentation, she developed clinical episodes characteristic of FMF.
Findings:
- This case suggests a potential link between initial pericardial disease and subsequent development of FMF.
- Previous reports support considering FMF in specific ethnic populations presenting with pericardial effusion.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering FMF in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion, particularly in at-risk populations.
- Suggests a potential early manifestation of FMF may involve cardiac inflammation.