Rheumatic fever Flashcards
1
Q
How is rheumatic fever an example of molecular mimicry?
A
The antibodies to streptococci attack myosin in cardiac myocytes
2
Q
What is endocarditis?
A
Valvulttis with resultant regurgitant murmur
3
Q
What are Aschoff bodies?
A
Granulomatous nodules found in rheumatic heart fever
4
Q
Major criteria of rheumatic fever?
A
Pink rings on body Sydenham's chorea (dancy jerky movements - late feature) Polyarthritis Endocarditis Subcutaneous nodules
5
Q
Minor criteria of rheumatic fever?
A
Pyrexia
Arthralgia
Prolonged PR interval
Raised ESR or CRP
6
Q
Diagnosis of RF?
A
Evidence of streptococcus infection with:
2 majors
OR 1 major and 2 minors
7
Q
Which condition are you worried about in children causing RF?
A
Pharyngitis
Often caused by group A strep in children
