Acute rheumatic fever
Epidemiology
- Endemic in developing countries
Pathogenesis
- Occurs 2-4 weeks after acute group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
- Molecular mimicry: Anti-streptococcal antibodies attack cardiac & neuronal antigens
Clinical features
| Acute | Chronic |
|---|---|
| Migratory arthritis | Mitral stenosis |
| Pancarditis (mitral regurgitation) | |
| Sydenham chorea |
Prevention
- Prompt treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with penicillin