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Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent episodes of painful inflammation affecting the abdomen, chest, or joints, often accompanied by fever, headache, and sometimes skin rashes.
The primary symptoms of FMF include:
- Abdominal Pain: Present in approximately 90% of patients, these severe pains typically last 12-72 hours and can sometimes mimic acute appendicitis.
- Recurrent Fevers: Episodes of elevated temperature, often reaching 38.5°C to 40°C, frequently coincide with other inflammatory attacks.
- Chest Pain: Experienced by 20-40% of patients, this pain can make breathing difficult.
- Joint Pain and Swelling: Affecting 50-60% of patients, commonly in the knees, ankles, and hips, these joints may become swollen and tender.
- Skin Rashes: Red, erysipelas-like rashes, particularly on the legs and below the knees, which usually subside within a few days.
- Muscle Aches: Often occurring concurrently with fever.
- Scrotal Swelling and Tenderness: Though less common, swelling and sensitivity in the scrotum can be observed.
FMF patients may experience symptom-free periods between attacks, which are thought to be triggered by factors such as stress or infections. Patients typically recover completely between episodes.
What are the symptoms of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)?
The primary symptoms of FMF include:
- Abdominal Pain: Present in approximately 90% of patients, these severe pains typically last 12-72 hours and can sometimes mimic acute appendicitis.
- Recurrent Fevers: Episodes of elevated temperature, often reaching 38.5°C to 40°C, frequently coincide with other inflammatory attacks.
- Chest Pain: Experienced by 20-40% of patients, this pain can make breathing difficult.
- Joint Pain and Swelling: Affecting 50-60% of patients, commonly in the knees, ankles, and hips, these joints may become swollen and tender.
- Skin Rashes: Red, erysipelas-like rashes, particularly on the legs and below the knees, which usually subside within a few days.
- Muscle Aches: Often occurring concurrently with fever.
- Scrotal Swelling and Tenderness: Though less common, swelling and sensitivity in the scrotum can be observed.
FMF patients may experience symptom-free periods between attacks, which are thought to be triggered by factors such as stress or infections. Patients typically recover completely between episodes.