Which symptom is seen in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever?

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fevers and inflammation. The hallmark symptom observed in patients with FMF is recurrent inflammation, which typically presents as sudden attacks of fever along with abdominal pain, chest pain, and joint pain. These inflammatory episodes can last from a few hours to several days and are often triggered by various factors, such as stress or infections.

The condition is due to mutations in the MEFV gene, which encodes for a protein called pyrin that regulates inflammation. Because of this genetic predisposition, individuals with FMF experience these recurrent inflammatory crises, making it the defining symptom of the disorder.

In contrast, chronic kidney disease, visual impairment, and severe eczema are not characteristic symptoms of FMF. While kidney involvement can occur due to amyloidosis resulting from recurrent inflammation, the primary and distinguishing feature of FMF remains the recurrent episodes of inflammation. Thus, the choice that best represents a symptom of Familial Mediterranean Fever is recurrent inflammation.