Familial Mediterranean Fever
FMF is the most common periodic fever syndrome and is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. This autosomal recessive disease mainly affects populations from the eastern Mediterranean area (Armenians, Jews, Turks, North Africans, Greeks, Italians). Clinically, patients begin to experience episodic attacks of fever (lasting 12-72 hours) starting in childhood. Patients commonly develop arthritis/arthralgias and abdominal pain (from serositis) during attacks. The most serious complication from FMF is the development amyloid deposition in various organs (particularly in the kidneys). Renal amyloidosis can result in end-stage renal disease. Colchicine is the treatment of choice for patients (this therapy can decrease the frequency of fevers as well as risk for the risk for amyloidosis).