Subcutaneous nodules in acute rheumatic fever--an analysis of age old dictums

It is assumed that subcutaneous nodule (SCN), one of the major criteria in acute rheumatic fever (ARF), is rare and whenever these nodules appear, they are invariably associated with carditis. Further large number of nodules appear in crops and they are evanescent. This prospective study of 42 cases of ARF with SCN attempts to analyse the accuracy of such statements. The group comprised of 12.5% of 336 consecutive cases of ARF. Other major criteria associated with SCN were carditis in 38 (90.4%), arthritis in 33 (78.5%) and chorea in two (4.7%). No evidence of carditis could be found in 4 (9.5%). When a detailed study of SCN was done the average number of nodules found in the group was 18 (range 4-49). Thirteen (30.9%) had less than 10 nodules and 5 (11.9%) had only 4-5 nodules. With initiation of treatment SCN disappeared within 4 weeks in 29 (69%), within next 5-8 weeks in 8 (19%) and within 9-12 weeks in 3 (7.1%). In two cases (4.7%) multiple nodules were observed 12 weeks later when all other evidences of activity had disappeared. The study shows a comparative high incidence of SCN in ARF, not all being associated with carditis. Number of nodules appearing in ARF might be quite small and they could persist for long inspite treatment.