Choroidal Thickness Changes in the Acute Attack Period in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate choroidal thickness changes during acute attacks of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Methods: Fifty patients with FMF and 50 healthy controls were included. Choroidal thickness of each participant was measured at the foveola and horizontal nasal and temporal quadrants at 500-µm intervals to 1,500 µm from the foveola using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. White blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. The clinical findings (peritonitis, arthritis and pleuritis) were noted. Results: Choroidal thickness was significantly thicker at all measurement points in FMF patients compared to healthy controls during an acute attack (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the choroidal thickness and ESR, fibrinogen and, particularly, CRP levels. Clinical findings did not change the choroidal thickness significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Increased choroidal thickness in the acute phase of FMF is possibly related to the inflammatory edematous changes in the choroid.

Reply to the Letter by Kaya et al. Entitled ‘Temperature Control Function of the Choroid May Be the Reason for the Increase in Choroidal Thickness During the Acute Phase of Familial Mediterranean Fever'

“…Kaya et al [1] hypothesized that the cause of increase in choroidal thickness may be the temperature control function of the choroid. As mentioned in the methods section of our study [2], body temperature of all patients was within normal limits. The patients were on colchicine treatment and received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when they had fever and/or pain.…”

“…We read Kaya et al's comments [1] on our article entitled ‘Choroidal Thickness Changes in the Acute Attack Period in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever' [2] with great interest. Kaya et al [1] assert that there is no evidence of inflammation in the choroid during the acute phase of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).…”

Temperature Control Function of the Choroid May Be the Reason for the Increase in Choroidal Thickness during the Acute Phase of Familial Mediterranean Fever

“…We read the current article entitled ‘Choroidal Thickness Changes in the Acute Attack Period in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever' by Gundogan et al [1] with great interest. The authors found choroidal thickness (CT) to be increased during the acute phase of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).…”

Choroidal Changes in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

“…We read with interest the article by Gundogan et al entitled ‘Choroidal Thickness Changes in the Acute Attack Period in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever' [1]. They concluded that the choroidal thickness was significantly thicker in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) compared to healthy controls during an acute attack.…”