Vascular risk in familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting in improper leukocyte clearance during inflammation. The disease often presents in early childhood and is characterized by recurrent attacks. Current treatment includes suppression of inflammation by colchicine. Typical to other rheumatological diseases, FMF is characterized by elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum pro-inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (1). These factors are responsible for increased leukocyte trafficking, vascular permeability, and endothelial dysfunction. These cellular consequences can fundamentally alter the elastic properties of blood vessels. Indeed, rheumatological diseases with recurrent inflammatory attacks, such as FMF, are associated with increased arterial stiffness (2)