An inflammation that is associated with a Strept infection of the throat [Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection]

Typically seen 2-3 weeks following an infection and in many cases the individual had no symptoms of strept throat although the infection was present.

Cardiac heart valve infections can subsequentially occur as well as affects organs such as joints, brain , skin and others.

It is often less common today but can still occur in ages 5 – 40 [more common 5–15 years old]

Cases are seen more often in developing countries

Heart valves can be attacked
  •    70% of the cases involve mitral
  •    25% Aortic
  •    5 % can be in tricuspid or pulmonary valves

Diagnosis can be difficult and is called The Jones Criteria

There are major and minor criteria

Major Criteria
1.)    Carditis
•        Seen in children and young adults
•        Can be seen on EKG
•        Develops as congestive heart failure, pericarditis, or enlargement of heart

2.)    Erythema marginatum
•        Rapidly enlarging rash
•        In the shape of rings
•        Has clear centers

2.)   Subcutaneous nodules
•        Rather uncommon
•        Small, firm, nodules that are nontender
•        Attached to bony areas
•        Can last for several days
•        Can be reoccurring

3.)    Sydenham’s Chorea
•        Abnormal movements of the face, tongue, and upper extremities
•        Can sometimes be the only symptom
•        Girls often show this symptom more often the boys
•        Adults rarely
•        Least common of the major but often the most helpful

4.)    Polyarthritis
•        The pain in joints moves or migrates
•        Adults often have only 1 joint affected
•        Can last 1-5 weeks

Minor Critera
1.)    Fever
2.)    Change in PR interval
3.)    Polyarthralgias
4.)    Elevated Sedimentation rate
5.)    Elevated CRP rate

Treatment
•         Penicillin
•         Erythromycin
•         Sulfadazine
•         Salicylates for joint pain and fever
•         Prednisone