Familial Mediterranean fever: abdominal imaging findings in 139 patients and review of the literature

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging findings in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) during and between acute attacks. Methods: Computerized search of medical records from 1989 to 1998 identified 139 patients with a discharge diagnosis of FMF. Medical records, imaging studies, and pathologic findings were reviewed. Results: Sixty-eight patients had a documented acute attack of FMF, and 71 patients known to have FMF were asymptomatic. Imaging was performed in 68 patients. Radiologic findings included ascites, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, focal peritonitis, peritoneal cysts, renal changes, and other incidental findings. Conclusions: Radiologic findings in symptomatic and asymptomatic FMF patients are not uncommon. Imaging in selected cases may facilitate diagnosis and show complications.