1 Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Babies Hospital, Children's Medical and Surgical Center of New York
2 Director, Temporomandibular Joint Clinic, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York, New York
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a rare disorder of interest to pediatricians. In 70% of these patients, the onset of symptoms occurs prior to 10 years of age. Sephardic Jews and Armenians account for 85% of the prevalence. Abdominal pain and fever are the chief clinical manifestations, while the typical signs of joint inflammation are seen in about 80% of the cases. Usually, the joint symptoms are transitory and subside as soon as the fever and pain remit.1,2
This report describes a girl with FMF in whom temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis was a prominent feature of her acute attacks, and in whom residual TMJ arthritic changes occurred.