Polyarteritis nodosa and familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

A 22-year-old familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patient was hospitalized for continuous fever, myalgia, hypertension, vertigo and a petechial rash. Laboratory findings revealed hyperglobulinaemia, thrombocytosis and a leukaemoid reaction. While on steroid therapy the patient sustained a haemorrhage into a renal aneurysm which responded to gel foam embolization. After 12 months of follow-up his condition remained stable under treatment with cyclophosphamide, prednisone and antihypertensive medications. This case provides the fourth example of polyarteritis nodosa associated with FMF.