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Mediterranean Fever, Familial

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Mediterranean Fever, Familial is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Armenian Syndrome
Benign Paroxysmal Peritonitis
Familial Paroxysmal Polyserositis
FMF
MEF
Periodic Amyloid Syndrome
Periodic Peritonitis Syndrome
Polyserositis, Recurrent
Reimann Periodic Disease
Reimann's Syndrome
Siegel-Cattan-Mamou Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a rare, inherited, inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and acute inflammation of the membranes that line the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and/or the lungs (pleuritis); pain and swelling of the joints (arthritis); and/or the heart (pericarditis) and, in some cases, skin rashes. In addition, some affected individuals may experience a serious complication known as amyloidosis, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of a fatty-like substance (amyloid) in various parts of the body. If amyloid accumulates in the kidneys (renal amyloidosis), kidney function may be impaired and life-threatening complications may occur.

In most instances, but not exclusively, FMF affects persons of Mediterranean origin such as Sephardic Jews, Arabs, Armenians, and Turks. FMF is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The causative gene on the short arm of chromosome 16 has been cloned.

Resources

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: (914)997-4488
Fax: (914)997-4763
Tel: (888)663-4637
Email: Askus@marchofdimes.com
Internet: http://www.marchofdimes.com

NIH/NationaI Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)718-6366
Tel: (877)226-4267
TDD: (301)565-2966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov/

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/AboutGARD.aspx

Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: �7/30/2009
Copyright �1986, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003�National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: May 16, 2012

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.