scholarly journals Case Report: Efficacy of Rituximab in a Patient With Familial Mediterranean Fever and Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Pozzato ◽  
Emanuele Micaglio ◽  
Chiara Starvaggi Cucuzza ◽  
Alessandro Cagol ◽  
Daniela Galimberti ◽  
...  

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serositis caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, while Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS with genetic and environmental etiology. The two diseases rarely occur in association with relevant implications for clinical management and drug choice. In this paper, we present the case of a 53-year-old male with an autosomal dominant FMF since childhood who presented acute paresthesia at the right part of the body. He performed a brain and spinal cord MRI, which showed multiple brain lesions and a gd-enhancing lesion in the cervical spinal cord, and then received a diagnosis of MS. He then started Interferonβ-1a which was effective but not tolerated and caused hepatotoxicity, and then shifted to Rituximab with 3-month clinical and neuroradiological efficacy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1229-1238 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Kümpfel ◽  
L-A Gerdes ◽  
T Wacker ◽  
A Blaschek ◽  
J Havla ◽  
...  

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene and characterized by recurrent febrile polyserositis. A possible association of FMF and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suggested in cohorts from Turkey and Israel. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MEFV mutations in subjects with MS and in controls in Germany. Methods: One-hundred and fifty seven MS patients with at least one symptom or without symptoms suggestive of FMF from our outpatient clinic were investigated for mutations in exons 2, 3, and 10 of the MEFV gene (group 1). 260 independent MS patients (group 2) and 400 unrelated Caucasian controls (group 3) were screened selectively for the low-penetrance pyrin mutations E148Q and K695R Results: In group 1, 19 MS patients (12.1%) tested positive for a mutation in the MEFV gene, mainly the E148Q ( n=7) substitution. Fifteen of the 19 mutation-positive individuals reported at least one symptom suggestive of FMF. In three cases, we could identify additional family members with MS. In these pedigrees, the E148Q exchange co-segregated with MS ( p=0.026). Frequencies of the pyrin E148Q and K695R mutations were not statistically different between MS group 2 and controls but they occurred with a surprisingly high frequency in the German population. Conclusion: The MEFV gene appears to be another immunologically relevant gene locus which contributes to MS susceptibility. In particular, the pyrin E148Q mutation, which co-segregated with disease in three MS families, is a promising candidate risk factor for MS that should be further explored in larger studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1811.3-1812
Author(s):  
C. Korkmaz ◽  
D. Üsküdar Cansu ◽  
S. Canbaz Kabay

Background:In the course of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the frequency of other inflammatory diseases increases compared to the general population. Multiple sclerosis (MS) or demyelinating diseases (DD) of central nervous system (CNS) are also more common in FMF patients than in the general population.Objectives:In this study, we would like to report 5 cases with MS/DD accompanied by FMF or MEFV mutations in two families.Methods:4 patients with FMF and 1 patient with MEFV mutation were included in this study. The patients with FMF were diagnosed according to Tell-Hashomer clinical criteria for FMF. The diagnosis of MS was made according to McDonald criteria.Results:The clinical features of the patients were shown in Table 1.Conclusion:FMF and MS/DD are characterized by repetitive attacks. Familial association can be seen in 12% of patients with MS (1). This is related to both HLA and non-HLA-related genetic tendency. The probability of developing MS increased 4 times in FMF patients (2). This seems to be related to the presence of MEFV gene creating a pro-inflammatory background. In such family samples, combining HLA and non-HLA gene related studies with MEFV gene analysis will be useful in common genetic factors investigation.References:[1]Harirchian MH, Fatehi F, Sarraf P, Honarvar NM, Bitarafan S. Worldwide prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2018;20:43-47.[2]Akman-Demir G, Gül A, Gürol E, Özdoğan H, Bahar S, et al. Inflammatory/demyelinating central nervous system involvement in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF): coincidence or association? J Neurol 2006;253:928-934.Acknowledgments:NoneDisclosure of Interests:None declared


Pulse ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jahanzeb Malik ◽  
Asma Shabbir ◽  
Atif Nazir

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory fever syndrome distinguished by recurrent attacks of spontaneous peritonitis, pleuritis, fever, and arthritis. It is specifically seen in the ethnic groups of Mediterranean origin, but sporadic cases have been reported in Eastern Europe and America due to migrations. There is a number of cardiac manifestations associated with FMF. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Using PubMed as the search engine, the literature search was done for articles published between 1958 and 2020. To summarize the body of available evidence, a scoping review was carried out to find relevant articles and case reports in patients of FMF with cardiovascular manifestations. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the literature, there is a number of mechanisms explaining the cause of cardiac involvement in FMF, including the subclinical inflammation and secondary (AA) amyloid deposition in the vessels and the myocardium. There is a variable and often spurious course of these manifestations and it can be associated with a poor prognosis such as an acute myocardial infarction. In FMF patients, polyarteritis nodosa and Henoch-Schönlein purpura are seen more significantly as compared to the general population with increased frequency of mutations in Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene. Through unclear mechanisms, Behçet’s disease is associated with MEFV gene mutations and shares vascular manifestations with FMF. There is an interplay of IL-1 and MEFV gene, which impart an important role in inflammatory attacks of FMF. There is an intima-media thickening of blood vessels AA to persistent inflammation which can lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation resulting in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> FMF and its associated cardiovascular diseases are interlinked to 2 main mechanisms: subclinical atherosclerosis and amyloid deposition, and colchicine is the primary treatment of patients with FMF which shows the regression of amyloid deposits and prevents cardiovascular sequelae.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narayan R Kissoon ◽  
James C Watson ◽  
Christopher J Boes ◽  
Orhun H Kantarci

Background The association of trigeminal neuralgia with pontine lesions has been well documented in multiple sclerosis, and we tested the hypothesis that occipital neuralgia in multiple sclerosis is associated with high cervical spinal cord lesions. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 29 patients diagnosed with both occipital neuralgia and demyelinating disease by a neurologist from January 2001 to December 2014. We collected data on demographics, clinical findings, presence of C2-3 demyelinating lesions, and treatment responses. Results The patients with both occipital neuralgia and multiple sclerosis were typically female (76%) and had a later onset (age > 40) of occipital neuralgia (72%). Eighteen patients (64%) had the presence of C2-3 lesions and the majority had unilateral symptoms (83%) or episodic pain (78%). All patients with documented sensory loss (3/3) had C2-3 lesions. Most patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (6/8) had C2-3 lesions. Of the eight patients with C2-3 lesions and imaging at onset of occipital neuralgia, five (62.5%) had evidence of active demyelination. None of the patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (3/3) responded to occipital nerve blocks or high dose intravenous steroids, whereas all of the other phenotypes with long term follow-up (eight patients) had good responses. Conclusions A cervical spine MRI should be considered in all patients presenting with occipital neuralgia. In patients with multiple sclerosis, clinical features in occipital neuralgia that were predictive of the presence of a C2-3 lesion were unilateral episodic symptoms, sensory loss, later onset of occipital neuralgia, and progressive multiple sclerosis phenotype. Clinical phenotype predicted response to treatment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 71 (9A) ◽  
pp. 580-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Miraldi ◽  
Fernanda Cristina Rueda Lopes ◽  
Joao Victor Altamiro Costa ◽  
Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon ◽  
Emerson Leandro Gasparetto

Objective This study aims to evaluate “in vivo” the integrity of the normal-appearing spinal cord (NASC) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to controls, using diffusion tensor MR imaging. Methods We studied 32 patients with MS and 17 without any neurologic disorder. Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated within regions of interest at C2 and C7 levels in the four columns of the spinal cord. Results At C2, FA value was decreased in MS patients. Besides, RD value was higher in MS than in controls. At C7, MD values were increased in MS. Conclusion The NASC in the right column of the cervical spinal cord showed abnormal FA, RD and MD values, which is possibly related to demyelination, since the FA abnormality was related to the RD and not to the AD.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Akar ◽  
E. Akar ◽  
F. Yalcinkaya; ◽  
G. J. Halpern ◽  
A. Mimouni ◽  
...  

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1424
Author(s):  
Esben Nyborg Poulsen ◽  
Anna Olsson ◽  
Stefan Gustavsen ◽  
Annika Reynberg Langkilde ◽  
Annette Bang Oturai ◽  
...  

Spinal cord lesions are included in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet spinal cord MRI is not mandatory for diagnosis according to the latest revisions of the McDonald Criteria. We investigated the distribution of spinal cord lesions in MS patients and examined how it influences the fulfillment of the 2017 McDonald Criteria. Seventy-four patients with relapsing-remitting MS were examined with brain and entire spinal cord MRI. Sixty-five patients received contrast. The number and anatomical location of MS lesions were assessed along with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). A Chi-square test, Fischer’s exact test, and one-sided McNemar’s test were used to test distributions. MS lesions were distributed throughout the spinal cord. Diagnosis of dissemination in space (DIS) was increased from 58/74 (78.4%) to 67/74 (90.5%) when adding cervical spinal cord MRI to brain MRI alone (p = 0.004). Diagnosis of dissemination in time (DIT) was not significantly increased when adding entire spinal cord MRI to brain MRI alone (p = 0.04). There was no association between the number of spinal cord lesions and the EDSS score (p = 0.71). MS lesions are present throughout the spinal cord, and spinal cord MRI may play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1784.1-1784
Author(s):  
R. Dos Santos Sobrín ◽  
M. Martí Masanet ◽  
B. Lopez-Montesinos ◽  
L. Lacruz Pérez ◽  
I. Calvo

Background:Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder caused mostly by mutations in MEFV gene. Its inheritance is autosomal recessive and is the most frequent periodic fever syndrome. First-line treatment is based in colchicine use, so biologics (anti-IL-1) are reserved for refractory cases1, 2.Objectives:To account for clinic and treatment features of patients with FMF in a specialized center as opposed to non-referent centers.Methods:This study was developed in the Pediatric Rheumatology Service in Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe de Valencia. Demographic, clinic and treatment data were collected from patients diagnosed of FMF since January 2004 to September 2019.Results:106 patients met last FMF criteria3. 55% had a pathogenic mutation in genetic analysis. 52% were female. Before 10 years old, 71% of patients had the diagnosis (51% before 4 years old). Arthralgia/myalgia (73%), periodic fever (62%) and abdominal pain (54%) were the most common symptoms. Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA, 6), other forms of JIA (9) and vasculitis (10) were the most prevalent comorbidities. When talking about treatment, 76,4% received Colchicine (60,5% with good response), 22,6% needed a classical disease modifying antirheumatic drug (mostly Methotrexate) and 22 patients got biologic treatment (73% anti-IL-1).Conclusion:When analyzing this case-review, JIA has a strong association with our patients, so it could explain severe disease activity and more articular involvement. This could be an illustration to the higher use of Methotrexate. Also, the most relevant symptom was arthralgia while fever is the most frequent in literature. Likewise, age of diagnosis has been earlier than other case-series (this would be more frequent in other autoinflammatory syndromes, as literature relates)1, 2, 4.References:[1]Ozdogan H, Ugurlu S. Familial Mediterranean Fever. Presse Med. (2019).[2]Ozen S, Demirkaya E, Erer B, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of familial Mediterranean fever. Ann Rheum Dis 2016;75:644-651.[3]Sag E, Demirel D, Demir S, et al. Performance of the new “Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria” in FMF patients. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019;19:30369-5.[4]Rozenbaum M, Rosner I. Severe outcome of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2004;22:S75-8.Disclosure of Interests:Raquel Dos Santos Sobrín: None declared, Miguel Martí Masanet: None declared, B Lopez-Montesinos: None declared, Lucía Lacruz Pérez: None declared, Inmaculada Calvo Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Clementia, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffman-La Roche, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffman-La Roche, Novartis


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