Rheumatic Fever

Question 1

what is Rheumatic fever?

Answer 1

A disease of disordered immunity causing inflammation changes in the heart and joints

Question 2

where is R.F commonly found in the wold?

Answer 2

India, Middle East, Central Africa

it is now rare in Europe and North America

Question 3

who does Rheumatic fever commonly affect?

Answer 3

children aged 5-15 years

boys > girls

Question 4

what is found microscopically in the heart of patients with rheumatic fever?

Answer 4

Aschoff body

Focus of inflammatory cells, necrotic tissue and activated macrophages

Question 5

describe the process of how patients develop rheumatic fever.

Answer 5

Patients usually present with a sore throat , normally due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection.
A severe anti-body reaction to the strep occurs which may cross react with antigens in connective tissue
Damage to the heart may be caused by combination of antibody-mediated and T-cell mediated reactions.

Question 6

what valvular heart diseases can rheumatic fever cause?

Answer 6

aortic stenosis and regurgitation

mitral stenosis and regurgitation

Question 7

inflammation of the endocardium and the left sided valves results in what?

Answer 7

fibrinoid necrosis of the valve cusps and/or chordae tendinae over which forms small vegetations

Question 8

what is deforming fibrotic valvular disease characterised by?

Answer 8

leaflet thickening
commissural fusion and shortening
thickening and fusion of chordae tendinae