Protracted familial mediterranean fever arthritis presenting as septic arthritis.
In Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), arthritis is the initial symptom in 25% of patients. Although FMF arthritis is acute and self-limited, in 5% of cases protracted arthritis usually affecting large joints such as knee may occur. In this report, two cases are presented who were initially diagnosed as septic arthritis, first of which had four and the second had two synovectomy operations with the diagnosis of septic arthritis. Later on they were diagnosed as FMF with detailed history. We aimed to emphasize the importance of diagnosis of FMF, which is based mainly on history and clinical features in order to prevent unnecessary operations and suffering of the patient.
Usluer
Hale
H
Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, 41380 Umuttepe, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Bircan
Zelal
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D010505:Familial Mediterranean Fever / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006074:Gout Suppressants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003078:Colchicine; D011241:Prednisone