20 Questions
What is a significant symptom experienced by Mrs. Dewi?
Shortness of breath on minor exertion
What is Mrs. Dewi's past medical history?
Previously healthy and active
Why was Mrs. Dewi's husband unable to return immediately?
He was outstation on duty
What is Mrs. Dewi's occupation?
Housewife
What is a probable diagnosis for Mrs. Dewi's condition?
Valvular heart disease
What is a potential complication for Mrs. Dewi?
Cardiac complications
What is a significant symptom of Mrs. Dewi's condition?
Coughing up pink frothy sputum
How many previous babies has Mrs. Dewi had?
4
What is a possible complication of Mrs. Dewi's condition for the fetus?
All of the above
What is a risk factor for Mrs. Dewi's condition?
Multiparity
What is a possible treatment option for Mrs. Dewi's condition?
All of the above
What is a potential family history impact of Mrs. Dewi's condition?
Her children may be at risk of heart disease
Which of the following is NOT a major criterion for the diagnosis of rheumatic fever?
Fever
What is the most common age group affected by rheumatic fever?
5-14 years old
What is the most common complication of rheumatic heart disease?
All of the above
What is the primary cause of rheumatic heart disease?
Autoimmune reaction to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
What is the main diagnostic tool for detecting signs of rheumatic heart disease before symptoms appear?
Echocardiography
What is the name of the test that detects the presence of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus?
Antistreptolysin O titre
What is the characteristic feature of the mitral valve in chronic rheumatic heart disease?
All of the above
What is the percentage of attacks that occur in adults?
20%
Study Notes
Case Presentation
- 35-year-old Indian housewife, Mrs. Dewi, is 24 weeks pregnant and experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and bilateral ankle swelling over the past few weeks.
- She felt her heart racing, severe shortness of breath, and coughed up pink frothy sputum on the day of admission to the hospital.
Medical History
- No known medical illness prior to pregnancy
- History of sore throats as a child, but no specific history of rheumatic fever
- Four previous pregnancies with no complications
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Pathophysiology
- Caused by autoimmune reaction to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (streptococcus pyogenes) resulting in valvular damage
- Characterized by repeated inflammation with fibrinous repair
- Cardinal anatomic changes of the valve: leaflet thickening, commisural fusion, and shortening and thickening of tendinous cords
Signs and Symptoms
- Migratory polyarthritis of the large joints
- Pancarditis
- Subcutaneous nodules
- Erythema marginatum of the skin (non-itchy)
- Sydenham chorea (neurologic disorder with involuntary rapid, purposeless movements)
- Fever
- Multiple painful joints
- Heart involvement in half of the cases, usually in people between 5-14 years old
Diagnosis
- Auscultation – S1 snap
- Echocardiography (more sensitive) to detect signs of rheumatic heart disease before obvious symptoms
- Elevated antistreptolysin O titre or anti-DNase B to test for presence of GAS
- Signs of preceding streptococcal infection: scarlet fever, raised ASOT or other streptococcal antibody titre, positive throat culture
- Revised Jones criteria: diagnosis made when 2 major criteria, or one major criterion plus 2 minor criteria are present along with evidence of streptococcal infection
A pregnant woman experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and ankle swelling. Identify the underlying condition and recommend a course of action.
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