HLTH 2501: inflammation and infection in the heart Flashcards
rheumatic fever
an acute systemic inflammatory condition that results from an abnormal immune reaction occuring a few weeks after an untreated infection
what is the main cause of infection in rheumatoid fever
group A beta-hemolytic Strepococcus
where does inflammation occur in rheumatoid fever?
in the heart, brain, joints, and skin
who does rheumatic fever most commonly affect?
children aged 5 to 15
long-term effects of rheumatic fever
rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, and heart failrue
what does the preceding infection of rheumatic fever commonly persist as?
an upper respiratory infection, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or strep throat
how does rheumatic fever cause damage to the heart?
antibodies to the infection react with collagen in the heart, but scar tissue will develop which causes rheumatic heart disease
pericaditis
inflammation of the heart outer layer and may include effusion which impairs filling
effusion
excessive fluid accumulation
myocarditis
inflammation develops as localised lesion in the heart muscle (Aschoff bodies), and these interfere with heart conduction
lesions in myocarditis
are called aschoff bodies
endocarditis
inflammation that affects the valves, causing them to become edematous and verruca; this disrupts the flow of blow leads to stenosis and rheumatic heart disease
verrucae
rows of small, wart like vegetations along the outer edge of the valve cusps
what valve is most commonly affected by endocarditis?
the mitral valve
how are the joints affected in rheumatic fever?
large joints, particularly in the legs may have synovitis
how is the skin affected in rheumatic fever?
a nonpruritic rash known as erythema marginatum develops (red with white centre)
how are the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles affected in rheumatic fever?
non tender subcutaneous nodules may develop
how are the basal nuclei affected in rheumatic fever?
cause involuntary jerky movements of the face, arms, or legs; called sydenham chorea or saint vitus dance
what is diagnosis of rheumatic fever based on?
general signs of inflammatory disease, high levels of antistreptolysin O antibodies, anemia, leukocytosis, a history or a prior streptococcal infection, and an abnormal ECG
signs and symptoms of rheumatoid fever
low-grade fever, leukocytosis, malaise, anorexia, fatigue, tachycardia, heart murmurs, epistaxis, and abdominal pain