Etiology & Pathophysiology
What pathogen most commonly precedes rheumatic fever?
Group A Streptococcus (Strep pyogenes)
Population-based screening for RHD using this method is not recommended due to its inaccuracy.
auscultation
What is the primary set of diagnostic criteria used for rheumatic fever?
Jones criteria
What is the most common long-term complication of rheumatic fever?
rheumatic heart disease
What immune mechanism is responsible for tissue damage in RHD?
molecular mimicry
In India , what is 1st , 2nd and 3rd most common cause of Mitral Stenosis
RHD
What blood test can confirm a recent Strep A infection?
ASO titre or anti-DNase B
What class of drug is first-line for treating group A strep infection?
(Benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) or Phenoxymethylpenicillin
What cardiac structure is most commonly affected in chronic RHD?
the mitral valve
In what age group is rheumatic fever most commonly seen?
children between 5 and 15 years old
What ECG change is commonly seen in acute rheumatic fever?
prolonged PR interval
What alternative medication is given to treat Strep A infections if patient is allergic to penicillin?
azithromycin (macrolide)
What is the name of the immune response that causes cross-reactivity between streptococcal M protein and heart tissue?
type II hypersensitivity
What is most commonly used as a screening tool for RHD?
Echocardiographic screening
In high-risk groups, this single major manifestation is sufficient to confirm ARF, provided other causes are excluded.
Sydenham chorea?
Name a surgical intervention used for severe mitral stenosis.
mitral valve replacement or balloon valvotomy?
What are Aschoff bodies and where are they found?
granulomatous lesions in the myocardium
What is the approximate Indian burden of RHD in terms of annual deaths, new,. cases
Around 3,00,000/yr
What are two differentials for mitral valve stenosis?
congenital mitral valve stenosis, aged related calcification, infective endocarditis
What type of heart failure does mitral stenosis cause?
left-sided congestive heart failure