Familial Mediterranean fever

Alternative names:

benign paroxysmal peritonitis; periodic disease; periodic fever; periodic peritonitis; recurrent polyserositis

Definition:

An inherited intestinal disorder that is characterized by recurrent fever and inflammation

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of the disease is unknown. It usually affects people of Mediterranean ancestry. Symptoms usually begin between 5 and 15 years old. Inflammation in the lining of the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, or joints occurs. Painful, red swelling of the legs occurs in one-fourth of the affected people. Attacks may vary in severity of symptoms, and people are usually symptom free between attacks.