Chronic massive knee effusion in familial Mediterranean fever

Objective: To document the occurrence of chronic massive knee effusions in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Patients: Three cases of chronic massive knee effusion of young FMF patients requiring open synovectomy are presented. Results: Open synovectomy necessitated protracted rehabilitation, eventually with good results. Conclusions: FMF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic massive knee effusion. Early diagnosis and daily colchicine treatment generally result in a good clinical outcome and may eliminate the need for open synovectomy in favor of arthroscopic surgery.