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Is Sydenham's chorea an antiphospholipid syndrome?
V S Fung1, C Yiannikas, C M Sue
1Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Sydenham's chorea, a neurological condition, may be linked to antiphospholipid antibodies. This study suggests a potential connection between rheumatic fever, chorea, and these antibodies in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sydenham's chorea, described in 1686, is a known complication of rheumatic fever.
- An association between chorea and antiphospholipid antibodies has been observed since 1985.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Sydenham's chorea, rheumatic fever, and antiphospholipid antibodies.
- To explore if Sydenham's chorea could be part of antiphospholipid-associated neurological disease spectrum.
Main Methods:
- Case report of three female patients presenting with chorea.
- Assessment for Jones' criteria for rheumatic fever.
- Serum testing for antiphospholipid antibodies, including anticardiolipin antibodies.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the basal ganglia.
Main Results:
- Two patients aged 17 and 22 met Jones' criteria for rheumatic fever and had detectable antiphospholipid antibodies.
- A third patient experienced two episodes of Sydenham's chorea and later showed high anticardiolipin antibody titers.
- No basal ganglia abnormalities were found on MRI in any patient.
Conclusions:
- Sydenham's chorea may be associated with antiphospholipid antibodies.
- This association suggests Sydenham's chorea could fall within the spectrum of antiphospholipid-associated neurological disorders.
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