it cos permanent damage to the heart valve..
to diagnose, first confirm whether the inf is d2 the streptococcal inf...
- +ve throat swab
- ASOT (anti-streptococcal antibody titre) high
- rapid streptococcal antigen test
- recent scarlet fever
then, Jones Criteria.. 2majors or 1major + 1minor criteria
major criteria
- carditis
- arthritis
- subcutaneous nodules (at extensor parts of jts n spine)
- erythema marginatum (geographical, raised edges, clear centre)
- Sydenham chorea
minor criteria
- fever
- arthalgia
- prolong PR interval (in ECG)
- Increase ESR or CRP
- previous rheumatic fever
