Definition of Mediterranean Fever

Mediterranean Fever: A inherited disorder of unknown cause featuring short recurring bouts of fever together with pain in the joints, chest or abdomen. Also called Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).

Between attacks, the patient seems healthy (when FMF is more difficult to diagnose). The gene for FMF (autosomal recessive, on chromosome 16) was reportedly identified in August, 1997. FMF is found in persons of Mediterranean ethnic background.