A Typical Case of Familial Mediterranean fever in a War Survivor with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of Caucasian Descent Treated with Standard Colchicine Therapy

Abstract

Objective: A rare case of FMF with atypical presentation of fever attacks lasting 7 days predominantly evident after the war has been described. Usually, the FMF bouts last for 3-4 days but the unusual presentation of our patient led to the initial misdiagnosis of PTSD.

Patient and Method: A case of a 38-year-old former Armenian soldier who participated in a 44-day long war with Azerbaijan showing symptoms of recurrent fever, thoracic and abdominal pain predominant only on the left hypochondriac, lumbar and inguinal region.

The changes in the laboratory examination were not significant. A wide range of diagnostic tests like X-Ray, CT, and MRI performed all of which were inconclusive.

Result: The diagnosis was confirmed after 5 years by positive molecular genetic testing for the MEFV gene. The patient was given colchicine 1 mg/kg/day which reduced the severity and frequency of attacks.

Conclusion: The atypical presentation of FMF with prolonged fever lasting up to 7 days, no familial history, post-war trauma, and pain only on the left side led to the differential diagnosis excluding FMF.FMF was suspected when his blood analysis showed acute phase reactants returned to normal after the 7-day attack period. He was started on colchicine therapy and showed a positive response which led to the diagnosis of FMF. The positive MEFV genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. Clinicians should not exclude the possibility of FMF in patients who do not show the classic fever attack period of 3 to 4 days.