Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
08:45

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

Published on: April 18, 2025

1.4K

A rapid echocardiographic screening protocol for rheumatic heart disease in Samoa: a high prevalence of advanced

Marvin Allen1, John Allen1, Take Naseri2

  • 11Brigham Young University,Provo,Utah,United States of America.

Cardiology in the Young
|September 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A rapid echocardiogram screening protocol effectively identified a high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Samoan schoolchildren. This study highlights a greater rate of advanced disease than previously reported, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) screening in children is crucial.
  • World Heart Federation (WHF) guidelines exist for echocardiographic screening.
  • Samoa has a high prevalence of RHD, necessitating effective screening.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a rapid echocardiogram screening protocol based on WHF guidelines.
  • To assess the feasibility and yield of this protocol in Samoa.
  • To determine the prevalence of RHD and its severity in Samoan schoolchildren.

Main Methods:

  • A rapid screening echocardiogram was performed on 11,434 schoolchildren in Samoa (2013-2015).
  • Children with suspicious criteria underwent comprehensive echocardiography.
  • Echocardiograms were classified according to WHF guidelines, assessing valve disease severity.

Main Results:

  • Rheumatic heart disease was identified in 10.0 per 1000 students.
  • Borderline RHD was found in 8.0 per 1000, and congenital heart disease (CHD) in 2.0 per 1000.
  • Advanced RHD, including severe valve regurgitation and stenosis, was present in 4.4 per 1000 children.

Conclusions:

  • The rapid echocardiographic protocol successfully screened a large cohort in a short period.
  • The study identified a high prevalence of RHD and a significant rate of advanced disease.
  • Findings suggest this protocol is effective for RHD detection in endemic regions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

4.4K
High-frequency High-resolution Echocardiography: First Evidence on Non-invasive Repeated Measure of Myocardial Strain, Contractility, and Mitral Regurgitation in the Ischemia-reperfused Murine Heart11:50

High-frequency High-resolution Echocardiography: First Evidence on Non-invasive Repeated Measure of Myocardial Strain, Contractility, and Mitral Regurgitation in the Ischemia-reperfused Murine Heart

Published on: July 9, 2010

24.8K

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
748
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
370
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
408
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
605
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
797
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
313