Sydenham's chorea (SC) is characterised by chorea, emotional lability and hypotonia. In this study, we investigated the incidence and clinical presentation of childhood SC in Ireland (years 2006-2014). Nineteen cases were diagnosed. Five patients had rheumatic fever. An increasing trend with an incidence of 0.23/100 000 is reported. As most referral diagnoses included psychogenic illness, head injury and stroke, modern physicians may not be aware of this age old illness. A review of the manifestations and diagnosis of SC is presented.
Keywords: carditis; group A streptococcus; hyperkinetic; movement disorder; rheumatic fever.
Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/