Rheumatic fever does not present with specific signs and symptoms. There is sudden onset of fever, joint pain, malaise and loss of appetite. In some cases, epistaxis and abdominal pain may also be present.

The diagnosis is made with the help of Duckett Jones criteria [5]. The presence of two major criteria; or one major and two minor criteria is diagnostic.

The major criteria include the following:

• Carditis: Carditis is suggested by the presence of a number of signs that include sinus tachycardia, murmurs of mitral or aortic regurgitation, Carey-Coomb’s murmur, pericardial friction or rub, congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly and ectrocardiographic abnormalities.
• Polyarthritis: Migratory polyarthritis is present in up to 75% of the cases and mainly involves large joints such as knees, ankles, elbows and wrists.
• Syndenham’s chorea: Syndenham’s chorea develops in less than 10% of the patients suffering from rheumatic fever. However, when it is present, it is the most diagnostic feature of rheumatic fever.
• Erythema marginatum: Pink rashes with slightly raised edges may develop on the trunk or limbs.
• Subcutaneous nodules: Small, hard, painless nodules may form under the skin.

The minor criteria include the following:

• Fever
• Arthralgia
• Previous history of rheumatic fever
• Raised Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Leukocytosis
• Prolonged PR interval on electrocardiogram

• Fever

  Streptococcus - rheumatic fever; Strep throat - rheumatic fever; Streptococcus pyogenes - rheumatic fever; Group A streptococcus - rheumatic fever Low DE. Nonpneumoccal streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. [nlm.nih.gov]

  The minor criteria include the following: Fever Arthralgia Previous history of rheumatic fever Raised Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) Leukocytosis Prolonged PR interval on electrocardiogram The diagnosis of rheumatic fever [symptoma.com]

  Rheumatic fever mainly affects children ages 5 -15 who have had strep throat or scarlet fever. If it occurs, it develops about 14 - 28 days after these illnesses. [web.archive.org]

  Jones criteria (revised) for guidance in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Circulation 1965; 32: 664–668. Google Scholar 4. Committee on rheumatic fever and bacterial endocarditis of the American Heart Association. [doi.org]

• Congestive Heart Failure

  Recurrent or severe acute rheumatic fever can cause permanent cardiac valve damage and rheumatic heart disease, which increases the risk for cardiac conditions (e.g., infective endocarditis, stroke, and congestive heart failure). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Rheumatic heart disease chronically manifests as congestive heart failure from valvular involvement. Most commonly the mitral valve is affected, resulting in mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation. [healio.com]

  If inflammation of the heart has developed, children may be given medications to reduce the inflammation, as well as antibiotics to treat the Streptococcus infection. Other medications may be necessary to handle congestive heart failure. [chw.org]

• Fatigue

  Symptoms of rheumatic fever include: Fever Abdominal pain Fatigue Heart palpitations Chest pain Shortness of breath Joints that are tender, painful, red or swollen (mainly the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists) Painless rash with jagged edges (erythema [wellstar.org]

  Symptoms include: Fever Pain in one joint that migrates to another joint Red, hot or swollen joints Small, painless nodules beneath the skin Rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats (palpitations) Fatigue Shortness of breath A painless rash with a ragged [parentcenterhub.org]

  They may include: Fever Painful and tender joints, most often the ankles, knees, elbows or wrists Pain that moves from joint to joint Red, hot or swollen joints Small, painless nodules under the skin Chest pain Heart murmur Fatigue Flat or slightly raised [arthritis.org]

  Inflammation of the heart can lead to chest pain, palpitations, a sensation that the heart is fluttering or pounding hard, panting, and shortness of breath, and fatigue. [medicalnewstoday.com]

• Malaise

  Clinical Features of Acute Rheumatic Fever: Musculoskeletal Polyarthritis Arthralgia (often migratory) and legs first Poor co-ordination Non-Musculoskeletal Systemic features - sore throat before onset of joint pains, fever, pallor, weight loss, anorexia, malaise [pmmonline.org]

  There is sudden onset of fever, joint pain, malaise and loss of appetite. In some cases, epistaxis and abdominal pain may also be present. The diagnosis is made with the help of Duckett Jones criteria. [symptoma.com]

  Symptoms Symptoms of ARF include: fever malaise (feeling of being unwell) painful and/or swollen joints (one or many joints) – usually affecting the elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat and heart [sahealth.sa.gov.au]

  After an incubation period of 2-4 days, the invading organisms elicit an acute inflammatory response, with 3-5 days of sore throat, fever, malaise, headache, and elevated leukocyte count. [emedicine.com]

  It can cause streptococcal sore throat which is characterized by fever, enlarged tonsils, tonsillar exudate, sensitive cervical lymph nodes and malaise ( 6, 9 ). If untreated, strep throat can last 7-10 days ( 9 ). [phac-aspc.gc.ca]

• Anemia

  Mild to moderate normocytic, normochromic anemia may be present. Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray will either be normal or will show signs of cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema and/or increased pulmonary vascularity. [symptoma.com]

  It is important that your doctor make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by gout, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, embolic bacterial endocarditis, drug reactions or arthritis, all of which can have symptoms similar to those of rheumatic fever. [cedars-sinai.org]

  Affected individuals may also develop leukocytosis, moderate anemia, and proteinuria. C-reactive protein, evaluated in a specimen of blood, is abnormally high in concentration. Recurrences of rheumatic fever are common. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Cough

  To stop "strep throat" from spreading you need to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. You can cough and sneeze while you are asleep too. [lakesdhb.govt.nz]

  So remember when coughing and sneezing cover your mouth and wash and dry your hands often, especially after coughing and sneezing. [Video of Dr Sciascia and Tofiga Fepulea’i in the clinic. [health.govt.nz]

  Strep throat is infectious and can spread through cough and sneeze droplets. [spasifikmag.com]

  The strep bacteria is spread through mucous and other bodily fluids so it is easily spread from one person to another, especially by breathing or coughing on others. Genetics of an individual seem to play a role. [rhdaustralia.org.au]

• Dyspnea

  […] carditis occurs after months chorea presents after months risk of recurrence decreases with time Presentation Symptoms migratory joint pains, especially in the knees, ankles, and elbows chest discomfort heart failures (rare) Physical exam fever may have dyspnea [step2.medbullets.com]

  In this setting, symptoms may include dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, cough, and even hemoptysis. Pulmonary venous hypertension may lead to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. [clinicaladvisor.com]

  Heart failure caused by the combination of carditis and valvular dysfunction may cause dyspnea without rales, nausea and vomiting, a right upper quadrant or epigastric ache, and a hacking, nonproductive cough. [msdmanuals.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  There is sudden onset of fever, joint pain, malaise and loss of appetite. In some cases, epistaxis and abdominal pain may also be present. The diagnosis is made with the help of Duckett Jones criteria. [symptoma.com]

  Other clinical manifestations Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain usually occurs at the onset of acute RF, resembles other conditions with acute microvascular mesenteric inflammation, and may mimic acute appendicitis. [slideshare.net]

  Clinical presentation Signs and symptoms of rheumatic fever include fever, migratory arthritis, abdominal pain, erythema marginatum (a ring-shaped rash located on trunk and upper parts of arms and legs), Sydenham's chorea, subcutaneous nodules, epistaxis [web.archive.org]

  Symptoms of rheumatic fever include: Fever Abdominal pain Fatigue Heart palpitations Chest pain Shortness of breath Joints that are tender, painful, red or swollen (mainly the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists) Painless rash with jagged edges (erythema [wellstar.org]

• Loss of Appetite

  […] of appetite and body weight. [britannica.com]

  There is sudden onset of fever, joint pain, malaise and loss of appetite. In some cases, epistaxis and abdominal pain may also be present. The diagnosis is made with the help of Duckett Jones criteria. [symptoma.com]

• Epigastric Pain

  A 45-year-old hypertensive Japanese woman presented with epigastric pain on inspiration, fever, complete atrioventricular block and polyarthritis. Her antistreptolysin O levels were markedly elevated. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Heart Disease

  Echocardiographic examination of children with rheumatic fever for rheumatic heart disease may over diagnose rheumatic heart disease unless congenital mitral valve anomalies and physiological regurgitation are excluded. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Characteristics, complications, and gaps in evidence-based interventions in rheumatic heart disease: the Global Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (the REMEDY study). Eur Heart J. 2014. Google Scholar 136. [dx.doi.org]

  […] and rheumatic heart disease. [healthdirect.gov.au]

• Chest Pain

  shortness of breath and chest pain. [web.archive.org]

  Other children have chest pain caused by inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis). Children may have a high fever, chest pain, or both. Heart murmurs are sounds that occur as blood flows through the heart. [msdmanuals.com]

  Thus, patients presenting with chest pain and electrocardiological and biochemical evidence of myocardial necrosis are not always suffering from an acute coronary syndrome. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The symptoms of rheumatic fever include joint pain and swelling ( arthritis ) and inflammation of the heart, which can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Symptoms usually last around four weeks, but can sometimes persist for several months. [nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk]

• Heart Murmur

  CONCLUSION: Heart murmur, arthritis, arthralgia with reduced physical activity and chorea are the main clinical reasons that lead to suspicion in the ARF group. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Children commonly have quiet heart murmurs. However, murmurs that are loud or have changed sometimes mean the child has a heart valve disorder. [msdmanuals.com]

  A heart murmur of MR or AI indicates valvulitis. Pericarditis may present with chest pain, friction rub, pericardial effusion and EKG changes. Signs of CHF may be present. Chorea. [web.archive.org]

• Cardiomegaly

  Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray will either be normal or will show signs of cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema and/or increased pulmonary vascularity. [symptoma.com]

  A 7-y-old girl presented with prolonged fever, arrhythmia and cardiomegaly during the treatment course of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. The isolated rheumatogenic strain M1 suggested the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Plain radiograph pericardial calcification pulmonary edema pulmonary ossification : due to mitral valve disease 4 cardiomegaly global cardiomegaly from a dilated cardiomyopathy left atrial enlargement (particularly appendage) from mitral valve disease [radiopaedia.org]

  Cardiomegaly is the most common radiological abnormality and ECG changes may show heart block but echocardiography is the most sensitive and shows pancarditis. Rheumatic Pancarditis - A gross photograph of the epicardial surface. [pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu]

  […] under the skin around the affected joints Unexplained weight loss Nervous system problems, such as involuntary movements and twitches (Sydenham’s chorea, also known as Saint Vitus’ dance) Heart problems such as inflammation (carditis), enlarged heart (cardiomegaly [betterhealth.vic.gov.au]

• Tachycardia

  Other electrocardiographic changes such as sinus tachycardia, bundle branch blocks. nonspecific ST-T wave changes, atrial and ventricular premature complexes have been reported with variable frequency. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Occuring in ~50% of patients with ARF, carditis presents with tachycardia out of proportion to the fever. A heart murmur of MR or AI indicates valvulitis. Pericarditis may present with chest pain, friction rub, pericardial effusion and EKG changes. [web.archive.org]

  The major criteria include the following: Carditis: Carditis is suggested by the presence of a number of signs that include sinus tachycardia, murmurs of mitral or aortic regurgitation, Carey-Coomb’s murmur, pericardial friction or rub, congestive heart [symptoma.com]

  Role of echocardiography has not been defined in these modifications but may be important, as clinical detection of soft murmurs may be difficult due to tachycardia. [doi.org]

• Arthritis

  Magnetic resonance imaging revealed suspected arthritis and osteomyelitis. The patient was treated for septic arthritis, but was subsequently diagnosed with ARF, after the development of carditis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Arthralgia

  High ASO titers, arthralgia, and combination of high ASO titers with arthralgia are the main presenting symptoms in the group with a different diagnosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The minor criteria include- arthralgia, fever, heart block, leucocytosis, raised ESR or CRP and history of rheumatic fever. [lifehugger.com]

  Arthralgias: Patients may report arthralgias upon presentation. [slideshare.net]

• Migratory Polyarthritis

  All cases presented with migratory polyarthritis, whereas 1 had erythema marginatum and transient carditis. These patients responded well to treatment with antibiotics and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The classic history of joint involvement in acute rheumatic fever is one of large joint migratory polyarthritis. The inflammation lasts about two to three days in each joint and most often resolves without any sequelae. [news-medical.net]

  polyarthritis pan carditis Sydenham chorea erythema marginatum subcutaneous nodules minor criteria fever arthralgia increase in acute phase reactants (e.g. [radiopaedia.org]

  Major criteria: Carditis (inflammation of the heart) Migratory polyarthritis (exquisite joint pain and inflammation) Chorea (involuntary movement of the limbs) Subcutaneous nodules (usually over the joints) Minor criteria: Fever (usually high) Arthralgia [drgreene.com]

• Joint Swelling

  Abdominal pain Fever Heart problems, which may not have symptoms, or may lead to shortness of breath and chest pain Joint pain, arthritis (mainly in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists) Joint swelling, redness, or warmth Nosebleeds Ring-shaped or snake-like [web.archive.org]

  Arthritis due to rheumatic fever commonly involves painful joint swelling that can move from joint to joint. The arthritis often involves the large joints such as knees, shoulders, and hips. [emedicinehealth.com]

  Symptoms Symptoms of rheumatic fever may include: Fever Stomach pain Joint pain (arthritis) - primarily in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists Joint swelling Skin nodules Nosebleeds Rash on torso, arms, and legs that looks ring or snake-like Heart problems [heartdisease.about.com]

  The most common symptoms of acute rheumatic fever are: Joint swelling and pain: This may include redness and warmth, mainly of the larger joints like the knees, ankles, wrists and elbows Fever: Hot and cold fevers which may feel like symptoms of a cold [rhdaustralia.org.au]

• Ankle Pain

  and ankles Pain in one single joint that moves to another joint Red, hot, swollen joints Shortness of breath Fever and Perspiring Vomiting A flat, slightly raised, ragged rash Jerky, uncontrollable motions of their hands, feet, and face A decrease in [healthlifemedia.com]

  Common symptoms of rheumatic fever include: small, painless nodules under the skin chest pain rapid fluttering or pounding chest palpitations lethargy or fatigue nosebleeds stomach pain painful or sore joints in the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles pain [healthline.com]

• Subcutaneous Nodule

  Subcutaneous nodule. The least common signs of ARF, these are found on the extensor surfaces of the extremities or along the spine. [web.archive.org]

  According to this latest publication major manifestations are carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum and subcutaneous nodules. [doi.org]

  "Major" criteria include those listed above (arthritis, carditis, subcutaneous nodules, rash, Sydenham chorea). [childrensheartinstitute.org]

  The overlying skin is not inflamed and usually can be moved over the nodules. http://firstaidcertificates.ca/subcutaneous-nodules-causes-signs-symptom... [pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu]

  The frequency of subcutaneous nodules, invariably associated with carditis, was very high (33.3% in the first and 48.3% in recurrent episodes). Carditis was generally mild during first episode (53.3%) and severe with rheumatic recurrence (55.6%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Skin Rash

  The major criteria for diagnosis include: Arthritis in several large joints Heart inflammation Nodules under the skin Rapid, jerky movements (chorea, Sydenham chorea ) Skin rash The minor criteria include: Fever High ESR Joint pain Abnormal EKG You'll [web.archive.org]

  […] changes may also occur, such as: Ring-shaped or snake-like skin rash on the trunk and upper part of the arms or legs Skin lumps or nodules A condition that affects the brain and nervous system, called sydenham chorea can also occur. [nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms of rheumatic fever include sore or swollen joints (knees, elbows, ankles and wrists), a skin rash, a fever, stomach pain and/or jerky movements. [northlanddhb.org.nz]

  Other symptoms include a red, blotchy, skin rash, which appears in 1 in 10 cases. Less common are nosebleeds, abdominal pain, bumps and lumps, or nodules, under the skin, and a high fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. [medicalnewstoday.com]

  Skin rash Around 1 in 10 children with rheumatic fever will develop a skin rash, known as erythema marginatum. The rash is usually painless, non-itchy and spreads slowly over the child's body. It may only be noticeable in children with fair skin. [nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk]

• Mood Swings

  Sedatives and tranquilizers (such as diazepam or chlorpromazine) may be prescribed to treat Sydenham’s chorea, the unusual complication of rheumatic fever that causes jerky, uncontrolled movements and mood swings. [healthcommunities.com]

• Facial Grimacing

  Facial grimacing (a distorted expression on the face) is common. Children may cluck their tongue, or the tongue may dart in and out of the mouth. In mild cases, children may seem clumsy and may have slight difficulties in dressing and eating. [msdmanuals.com]

  Descriptions have included facial grimaces, tongue movements ("bag of worms"), fidgetiness, halting and explosive speech, " pronator sign," " milkmaid's grip," " spooning," and clumsiness. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Epistaxis

  Clinical presentation Signs and symptoms of rheumatic fever include fever, migratory arthritis, abdominal pain, erythema marginatum (a ring-shaped rash located on trunk and upper parts of arms and legs), Sydenham's chorea, subcutaneous nodules, epistaxis [web.archive.org]

  Epistaxis: Epistaxis may be associated with severe protracted rheumatic carditis. Fever: Fevers greater than 39°C with no characteristic pattern are present initially in almost every patient with acute RF. [slideshare.net]

  In some cases, epistaxis and abdominal pain may also be present. The diagnosis is made with the help of Duckett Jones criteria. The presence of two major criteria; or one major and two minor criteria is diagnostic. [symptoma.com]

  It is uncommon, reported in Other Clinical Manifestations Manifestations not included in the diagnostic criteria include epistaxis and abdominal pain, each of which occur in ~5% of cases, and may occur before major manifestations. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Chorea

  Sydenham's chorea, a major manifestation of rheumatic fever, was the most common cause of chorea in children in the past. But the incidence of Sydenham's chorea has declined in recent years in concert with the decline in rheumatic fever. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Chorea. Syndenham's chorea occurs in about 15% of patients with ARF and is more common in prepubertal girls. It is characterized by emotional labilty, personality changes, poor motor coordination and the classic purposeless spontaneous movements. [web.archive.org]

  " JONES " J oints- Polyarthritis O (imagine 'O' as the Heart) - Carditis N odules (subcutaneous) E rythrema marginatum S ydenham' s chorea (St Vitus dance) Or, ACNES- Arthritis, Carditis, Nodules, Erythema marginatum and Sydenham' s chorea. [lifehugger.com]

• Lethargy

  Typical symptoms of strep neck include: Small, painless nodules, or bumps, beneath the skin Upper body pain Rapid fluttering or chest that is pounding Fatigue or lethargy Nosebleeds Stomach pain Painful or joints that are sore the wrists, elbows, knees [healthlifemedia.com]

  Common symptoms of rheumatic fever include: small, painless nodules under the skin chest pain rapid fluttering or pounding chest palpitations lethargy or fatigue nosebleeds stomach pain painful or sore joints in the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles pain [healthline.com]

  He presented to a local GP – accompanied by his grandmother – complaining of lethargy and pain in his knees and ankles. He had intermittent fever and his grandmother said he had been unwell for a 'long time'. [racgp.org.au]

  Marked lethargy and fatigue may be early manifestations of heart failure. Cutaneous and subcutaneous features are uncommon and almost never occur alone, usually developing in a patient who already has carditis, arthritis, or chorea. [msdmanuals.com]

• Tic Disorder

  Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections In 1998, investigators proposed the hypothesis that childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or tics may arise as a result of a poststreptococcal autoimmune process [doi.org]

The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is usually clinical. The following investigations may be helpful.

• Throat swab culture: This is done to look for group A streptococci.
• Anti-streptolysin O titer (ASOT): This indicates a recent streptococcal infection and is raised in up to 80% of the cases [6] [7].
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP): These indicate active inflammation and are raised in the acute phase of the disease.
• Blood tests: Leukocytosis is seen with a total of around 12000 to 15000 white cells per cubic millimeter. Mild to moderate normocytic, normochromic anemia may be present.
• Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray will either be normal or will show signs of cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema and/or increased pulmonary vascularity.
• Electrocardiography (ECG): There may be prolonged PR interval, heart block or features of pericarditis and myocarditis.
• Echocardiography: Mitral regurgitation, myocardial dysfunction and pericardial effusion may be seen.

• Pericardial Effusion

  However, serous pericardial effusion contained high levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. Clonally proliferating EBV+ T cells were determined in the circulation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Pericarditis may present with chest pain, friction rub, pericardial effusion and EKG changes. Signs of CHF may be present. Chorea. Syndenham's chorea occurs in about 15% of patients with ARF and is more common in prepubertal girls. [web.archive.org]

  Pericardial involvement Initially results in a pericardial inflammation and an effusion. A fibrinous pericarditis can occur. Pericardial calcification may occur as a later sequelae. [radiopaedia.org]

  Echocardiography: Mitral regurgitation, myocardial dysfunction and pericardial effusion may be seen. The treatment of rheumatic fever has the following components. [symptoma.com]

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Increased

  Such abnormalities may occur as increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased C reactive protein, or leukocytosis. Electrical changes in the heart. [newworldencyclopedia.org]

• Prolonged PR Interval

  We report on a 10-year-old boy who presented with progressive right side involuntary movements, an apical systolic murmur, prolonged PR interval, and elevated antistreptolysin O titer, who was diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  PR interval on an electrocardiogram Laboratory Criteria for Diagnosis No specific laboratory test exists for the diagnosis of rheumatic fever Case Classification Confirmed An illness characterized by a) two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria [wwwn.cdc.gov]

  PR interval) Imaging Radiographs may show effusion but often unremarkable Ultrasound/MRI equivocal cases where concern remains for septic arthritis Echocardiogram Lab Studies Serum labs antistreptolysin O titers elevated in 80% peripheral blood leukocytosis [orthobullets.com]

  Electrocardiography (ECG): There may be prolonged PR interval, heart block or features of pericarditis and myocarditis. Echocardiography: Mitral regurgitation, myocardial dysfunction and pericardial effusion may be seen. [symptoma.com]

• First-Degree Atrioventricular Block

  First degree atrioventricular block is a common manifestation of acute rheumatic fever and is included in the Jones criteria but Wenckebacks phenomena and complete heart block are relatively rare manifestations of rheumatic fever. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Electrocardiogram Change

  The minor criteria for diagnosis include fever, elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or CRP [ C-reactive protein ], nonspecific laboratory signs of inflammation), joint pain ( arthralgia ), EKG ( electrocardiogram ) changes, and history of previous [medicinenet.com]

• Aschoff Body

  It is characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions called Aschoff bodies usually in the heart tissue. [fpnotebook.com]

  Microscopic appearance Anitschkow cells (caterpillar cells) may be seen which are macrophages with chromatin condensation that can fuse to become Aschoff bodies. [radiopaedia.org]

  bodies in the myocardium and skin. 390 Rheumatic fever without mention of heart involvement convert 390 to ICD-10-CM Free ICD-9-CM Codes 2015 / Index · 2014 / Index · 2013 / Index 2012 / Index · 2011 / Index · 2010 / Index 2009 / Index · 2008 / Index [icd9data.com]

The treatment of rheumatic fever has the following components [8] [9].

Bed rest: The patient should be advised complete bed rest until the temperature, resting pulse, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and electrocardiogram (ECG) return to normal.

Aspirin: Aspirin and other salicylates are very effective in reducing the fever and relieving joint pain and swelling in the patients suffering from rheumatic fever. Aspirin therapy is continued for a period of 2 weeks. If the polyarthritis is controlled by then, the dosage is tapered for an additional 6 weeks. This is necessary because sudden discontinuation of aspirin therapy can cause recurrence of symptoms.

Corticosteroids: If the response to aspirin therapy is inadequate or if there is severe arthritis or carditis, a short course of steroids is given for 2 weeks after which the dosage is tapered over a period of 3 weeks.

During the initial phase, symptoms may last for several months in children and several weeks in adults. The mortality rate in this phase is 1 to 2%.

Valve disease occurs in up to two thirds of the patients by 10 years; however, not all the patients will develop symptoms or cardiomegaly.

Poor prognosis is implied if the patient develops persistent rheumatic carditis associated with cardiomegaly, heart failure or pericarditis.

Rheumatic fever usually follows a pharyngeal infection caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcal species after a latent period of approximately 3 weeks. It results from the cross-reaction of the body’s immune response to the streptococcal antigen with its own tissues - principally those of the heart [1] [2].

Rheumatic fever is much more prevalent in the developing countries where the incidence is as high as 1 case per 1000 population. In the developed countries, factors such as improved hygiene and living conditions, decreased crowding, the use of antibiotics and proper treatment have greatly reduced the incidence of rheumatic fever [3] [4].

Rheumatic fever commonly occurs in children aged 5 to 15 years - the peak age being 8 years. It is rare before the age of 4 and occasional cases are seen after the age of 30.

The acute phase of rheumatic fever is characterized by exudative and proliferative inflammatory reactions involving the heart, joints, brain, skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Rheumatic carditis principally involves the mitral (75-80%) and aortic (30%) valves. The valve cusps become thickened by edema and by infiltration of capillaries. Later on, a row of vegetations forms along the lines of closure of the valve leaflets. Inflammation of the valves leads to mitral and aortic regurgitation. In addition to valvulitis, there may be myocarditis and pericarditis.

Primary prevention: The development of rheumatic fever can be stopped if there is prompt recognition and proper treatment for group A streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Intramuscular benzathine penicillin is the antimicrobial agent of choice. In the patients allergic to penicillin, erythromycin or azithromycin may be used [10].

Secondary prevention: The recurrence of rheumatic fever can be prevented by continuous antimicrobial prophylaxis. An injection of benzathine penicillin should be given every 4 weeks. Salphasalazine or erythromycin are given in the patients who can not tolerate penicillin [11].

Rheumatic fever is an acute inflammatory disease that follows infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. It is characterized by inflammatory lesions of connective tissue, mainly the heart, blood vessels and joints.

The patients may develop carditis, polyarthritis, Syndenham’s chorea, erythema marginatum and subcutaneous nodules. In addition, there may be fever, abdominal pain and other non-specific features.

Rheumatic fever occurs as a delayed sequela of throat infection with certain species of bacteria. It occurs much more commonly in children as compared to adults. The disease affects many parts of the body, in particular the heart and the joints. If the throat infection with the causal bacteria is detected and treated early, rheumatic fever can be prevented. The treatment of rheumatic fever is mostly symptomatic. Antibiotics are used to prevent the disease from occurring after it has been successfully controlled.

1. Waksman BH. The etiology of rheumatic fever: a review of theories and evidence. 1949. Medicine. Jul 1993;72(4):262-272; discussion 278-283.
2. Benderly A, Etzioni A. Role of the immune system in the etiology of rheumatic fever. Survey of immunologic research. 1985;4(4):319-324.
3. Adanja B, Vlajinac H, Jarebinski M. Socioeconomic factors in the etiology of rheumatic fever. Journal of hygiene, epidemiology, microbiology, and immunology. 1988;32(3):329-335.
4. Gordis L. The virtual disappearance of rheumatic fever in the United States: lessons in the rise and fall of disease. T. Duckett Jones memorial lecture. Circulation. Dec 1985;72(6):1155-1162.
5. Shulman ST. T. Duckett Jones and his criteria for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. Pediatric annals. Jan 1999;28(1):9-12.
6. Machado CS, Ortiz K, Martins Ade L, Martins RS, Machado NC. [Antistreptolysin O titer profile in acute rheumatic fever diagnosis]. Jornal de pediatria. Mar-Apr 2001;77(2):105-111.
7. Roy SB, Sturgis GP, Massell BF. Application of the antistreptolysin-O titer in the evaluation of joint pain and in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. The New England journal of medicine. Jan 19 1956;254(3):95-102.
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