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Complications

Authoring team

Complications include:

Carditis which involves the three layers of the heart:

  • bread and butter pericarditis, which may cause a friction rub, invariably resolving with few sequelae
  • myocarditis - may cause heart failure. Dilatation may result in valvular incompetence, most commonly mitral.
  • endocarditis and valvulitis - chronic rheumatic heart disease ensues in 50% of those with RF and carditis. Valvular damage is common, especially stenosis.

The frequency of involvement is given below:

Valve(s) % rheumatic valve lesions

  • mitral 50
  • mitral and aortic 40
  • mitral, aortic and tricuspid 5
  • aortic 2
  • other combinations 3

Although chronic rheumatic heart disease is compatible with a normal life span there is a considerable risk of decompensation and heart failure in older age.

  • central nervous system complications may result in Sydenham's chorea

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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