CHRONIC MASSIVE KNEE EFFUSION IN FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER

Objective: To document the occurrence of chronic massive knee effusion s in patients with familiar Mediterranean fever (FMF). Patients: Three cases of chronic massive knee effusion of young FMF patients requirin g open synovectomy are presented. Results: Open synovectomy necessitat ed protracted rehabilitation, eventually with good results. Conclusion s: FMF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic m assive knee effusion. Early diagnosis and daily colchicine treatment g enerally result in a good clinical outcome and may eliminate the need for open synovectomy in favor of arthroscopic surgery. Copyright (C) 1 997 by W.B. Saunders Company.