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Acute Rheumatic Fever in Caucasians: A Case Report and Systematic Review
Fuad Hasan1, Mrinalini Dey2, Arvind Nune1
1Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Southport PR8 6PN, UK.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF), rare in Caucasian adults, requires high clinical suspicion for prompt diagnosis. Early detection of ARF is crucial to prevent long-term rheumatic heart disease complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is typically seen in children in developing nations, with low incidence in developed countries.
- ARF is particularly rare in adult Caucasian populations, making diagnosis challenging.
- A case of ARF in a 39-year-old Caucasian female highlights diagnostic delays.
Observation:
- A systematic literature review identified 10 Caucasian ARF cases (1990-2022) from six countries.
- The mean patient age was 33.2 years, with 60% being female.
- Common symptoms included fever, arthralgia, and malaise; all met modified Jones criteria.
Findings:
- All reviewed patients received antibiotic treatment; only one required corticosteroids.
- Two patients developed Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
- No fatalities were reported directly from ARF in the reviewed cases.
Implications:
- This review emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for ARF in Caucasian adults.
- Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent severe, long-term sequelae like RHD.
- Further research may elucidate specific risk factors and optimal management in this demographic.
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