Do MEFV mutations influence arterial stiffness in FMF patients?

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the most used technique to evaluate the arterial elasticity, which is an early indicator of atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate if MEFV Mutations influence arterial stiffness in patients with Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) Methods: 70 patients diagnosed with FMF and 50 age-and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Genetic analysis of the patients was performed. After the measurement of PWV; the presence of AS was determined. Results: Mean PWV value and arterial stiffness frequency of FMF patients were significantly higher than the control group.