Advanced heart block in acute rheumatic fever
Zakariya Hubail1, Ishaq M Ebrahim1
1Department of Pediatrics, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain.
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
|April 8, 2016
Summary
Higher degrees of heart block can occur in rheumatic fever, not just minor criteria. Prompt diagnosis and serial electrocardiogram monitoring are crucial for children with acquired heart block and acute rheumatic fever.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Rheumatic Diseases
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- First-degree heart block is a minor criterion for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
- The spectrum of cardiac involvement in rheumatic fever requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and significance of higher degrees of heart block in rheumatic fever.
- To emphasize the importance of cardiac evaluation in children with acquired heart block.
Main Methods:
- Case presentations demonstrating varying degrees of heart block.
- Review of diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever.
- Emphasis on serial electrocardiogram monitoring.
Main Results:
- Cases confirm that higher degrees of heart block, beyond first-degree, are observed in rheumatic fever.
- Acquired heart block in children warrants investigation for rheumatic fever.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatic fever can manifest with significant conduction abnormalities, including higher-degree heart block.
- Serial electrocardiogram monitoring is essential for patients with acute rheumatic fever to detect evolving conduction disturbances.
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