Autoinflammatory Diseases

Infections and injury to the tissue triggers an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to healing. However, there are conditions where an inflammatory response is triggered without any exogenous injury or infection. Some of those conditions are genetically determined and called autoinflammatory diseases. 

These autoinflammatory diseases include conditions such as:

• Behcet’s disease
• Familial Mediterranean fever
• Neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease
• Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome

Familial Mediterranean Fever

This inherited diseases is characterized by inflammation inside the abdomen and lining of the lungs (pleuritis), as well as painful, swollen joints and a rash around the ankles. It tends to affect people of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean background, especially those in their 20s and 30s. Familial Mediterranean fever often runs in families.

Treatment may include cochicine to prevent flares and other symptoms.

Behcet’s Disease

Almost everyone with Behcet’s experiences mouth sores that turn into painful ulcers. These heal within one to three weeks, but often recur.

Behcet’s may be difficult to diagnose because there’s no one definitive test.

At Mount Sinai, we are able to comprehensively evaluate your condition to determine and optimize the right treatment for you. Dr. Peter Gorevic, one of our senior rheumatologists, has a long interest and experience in autoflammatory diseases.