Etiology & Pathophysiology
What pathogen most commonly precedes rheumatic fever?
What is Group A Streptococcus (Strep pyogenes)?
Population-based screening for RHD using this method is not recommended due to its inaccuracy.
What is auscultation?
What is the primary set of diagnostic criteria used for rheumatic fever?
What is the Jones criteria?
What is the most common long-term complication of rheumatic fever?
What is rheumatic heart disease?
What immune mechanism is responsible for tissue damage in RHD?
What is molecular mimicry?
87%
What blood test can confirm a recent Strep A infection?
What is ASO titre or anti-DNase B?
What class of drug is first-line for treating group A strep infection?
What are penicillins? (Benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) or Phenoxymethylpenicillin
What cardiac structure is most commonly affected in chronic RHD?
What is the mitral valve?
In what age group is rheumatic fever most commonly seen?
What is children between 5 and 15 years old?
What ECG change is commonly seen in acute rheumatic fever?
What is prolonged PR interval?
azithromycin (macrolide)
What is the name of the immune response that causes cross-reactivity between streptococcal M protein and heart tissue?
What is type II hypersensitivity?
Echocardiographic screening
In high-risk groups, this single major manifestation is sufficient to confirm ARF, provided other causes are excluded.
What is Sydenham chorea?
Name a surgical intervention used for severe mitral stenosis.
What is mitral valve replacement or balloon valvotomy?
What are Aschoff bodies and where are they found?
What are granulomatous lesions in the myocardium?
What is the approximate global burden of RHD in terms of annual deaths, according to WHO estimates?
Around 300,000/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?
What is left-sided congestive heart failure?