Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serosal, synovial, or cutaneous inflammation, caused by a dysfunction of pyrin as a result of mutation within the MEFV gene. It occurs mainly among Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations, including Jews, Arabs, and Turks. However, FMF cases have been reported outside the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries in recent years. Although FMF has been relatively rare in Korea until now, proper recognition of FMF might lead to more frequent diagnoses of FMF. We experienced an interesting case, a 31-year-old Korean man who presented with recurrent abdominal pain with fever and urticarial eruption for 10 years. DNA analysis showed complex mutations (p.Leu110Pro, p.Glu148Gln) in the MEFV gene. To date, three cases have been reported, and this case of FMF with skin conditions is the first case in Korea.
Abdominal Pain/*etiology ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics ; Familial Mediterranean Fever/complications/*diagnosis/genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Recurrence ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Urticaria/*diagnosis

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever accompanied by peritonitis, pleuritis, arthritis, or erysipelas-like erythema. It is known to occur mainly among Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations such as non-Ashkenazi Jews, Arabs, Turks, and Armenians. FMF is not familiar to clinicians beyond this area and diagnosing FMF can be challenging. We report a 22-yr old boy who presented with fever, arthalgia and abdominal pain. He had a history of recurrent episodes of fever associated with arthalgia which would subside spontaneously or by antipyretics. Autosomal recessive periodic fever syndromes were suspected. Immunoglobulin D (IgD) level in the serum was elevated and DNA analysis showed complex mutations (p.Glu148Gln, p.Pro369Ser, p.Arg408Gln) in the MEFV gene. 3D angio computed tomography showed total thrombosis of splenic vein with partial thrombosis of proximal superior mesenteric vein, main portal vein and intrahepatic both portal vein. This is a case of FMF associated with multiple venous thrombosis and elevated IgD level. When thrombosis is associated with elevated IgD, FMF should be suspected. This is the first adult case reported in Korea.
Abdominal Pain/etiology ; Arthralgia/etiology ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Familial Mediterranean Fever/complications/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin D/*blood ; Male ; Mesenteric Veins ; Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency/complications/*diagnosis ; Mutation ; Portal Vein ; Republic of Korea ; Splenic Vein ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Venous Thrombosis/complications/*diagnosis ; Young Adult