Transient and Recurrent Pulmonary Infiltrations Associated with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Chest symptoms and pleural effusion due to serositis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are occasion-ally misdiagnosed as acute pneumonia. However, the actual pulmonary involvement of FMF is extremely rare. A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to repeated and transient anterior chest pain. Chest images revealed a moderate amount of pericardial fluid, slight bilateral pleural effusion, and infiltrations in both lower lung lobes. Colchicine treatment without antibiotics rapidly improved these symptoms and find-ings. Pericarditis, pleurisy and the response to colchicine indicated FMF. FMF should be considered as a causative disease of pulmonary infiltrations, especially if it occurs repeatedly.