The logic for extending the use of echocardiography beyond childhood to detect subclinical rheumatic heart disease

Cardiol Young. 2009 Feb;19(1):30-3. doi: 10.1017/S1047951109003540. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease is the only residual morbidity, and the sole cause of mortality, from rheumatic fever. Echocardiography is ideally suited to confirm and follow the course of rheumatic heart disease. Additionally, both minimal valvar pathology in children, and extensive valvar pathology in adults, may not cause a murmur and can be detected only by echocardiography. Whenever possible, echocardiography should be routinely employed for management of patients with rheumatic fever or suspected rheumatic fever.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Disease Progression
  • Echocardiography*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease / pathology