Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive illness characterized by recurring, self-limited fever bouts accompanied by serositis. FMF has been linked to a number of different disorders. For a study, the researchers wanted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of sacroiliitis in children with FMF. FMF patients’ files from two Ankara reference hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. The research comprised patients with FMF and concurrent sacroiliitis. All of the patients exhibited sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging.
Among 650 FMF patients, sacroiliitis was detected in 17 (11 females, 6 males; mean age, 13.32 + 4.24 years) (2.6%). Familial Mediterranean fever was diagnosed earlier to sacroiliitis in 11 cases (65%), and simultaneously or later in 6 patients (35% ). There were 10 individuals with solitary sacroiliitis and 7 with concomitant illnesses (5 enthesitis-related arthritis, 1 psoriatic arthritis, and 1 ulcerative colitis). Arthritis (59%) was the most prevalent complaint, followed by arthralgia (77%), leg pain (71%), heel pain (41%), and enthesitis (29%). Sacroiliac soreness was seen in 77% of the patients, and the M694V mutation was found in almost 90%. Colchicine was administered to all patients. In addition, 14 of them were given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, 10 were given sulfasalazine, and 7 were given biological agents.
Sacroiliitis can occur in FMF patients throughout childhood, and the M694V mutation appears to be a risk factor for its development. Inflammatory low-back pain, as well as leg and heel discomfort, may indicate sacroiliitis.
Reference:journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2019/03000/Sacroiliitis_in_Children_With_Familial.3.aspx
