1
|
Asmare MH, Chuma AT, Varon C, Woldehanna F, Janssens L, Vanrumste B. Characterization of rheumatic heart disease from electrocardiogram recordings. Physiol Meas 2023; 44. [PMID: 36595302 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aca6cb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is one of the highly prevalent heart diseases in developing countries that can affect the pericardium, myocardium, or endocardium. Rheumatic endocarditis is a common RHD variant that gradually deteriorates the normal function of the heart valves. RHD can be diagnosed using standard echocardiography or listened to as a heart murmur using a stethoscope. The electrocardiogram (ECG), on the other hand, is critical in the study and identification of heart rhythms and abnormalities. The effectiveness of ECG to identify distinguishing signs of rheumatic heart problems, however, has not been adequately examined. This study addressed the possible use of ECG recordings for the characterization of problems of the heart in RHD patients.Approach. To this end, an extensive ECG dataset was collected from patients suffering from RHD (PwRHD), and healthy control subjects (HC). Bandpass filtering was used at the preprocessing stage. Each data was then standardized by removing its mean and dividing by its standard deviation. Delineation of the onsets and offsets of waves was performed using KIT-IBT open ECG MATLAB toolbox. PR interval, QRS duration, RR intervals, QT intervals, and QTc intervals were computed for each heartbeat. The median values of the temporal parameters were used to eliminate possible outliers due to missed ECG waves. The data were clustered in different age groups and sex. Another categorization was done based on the time duration since the first RHD diagnosis.Main results. In 47.2% of the cases, a PR elongation was observed, and in 26.4% of the cases, the QRS duration was elongated. QTc was elongated in 44.3% of the cases. It was also observed that 62.2% of the cases had bradycardia.Significance. The end product of this research can lead to new medical devices and services that can screen RHD based on ECG which could somehow assist in the detection and diagnosis of the disease in low-resource settings and alleviate the burden of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melkamu Hunegnaw Asmare
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Center of Biomedical Engineering, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amsalu Tomas Chuma
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Software Engineering, College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Carolina Varon
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Microgravity Research Center, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frehiwot Woldehanna
- Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Center of Biomedical Engineering, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Luc Janssens
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanrumste
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bratincsak A, Liu J, Yalamanchili R, Purohit PJ, Xoinis KP, Yamauchi MSW. Junctional Tachycardia as a Diagnostic Criterion in Acute Rheumatic Fever. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-049361. [PMID: 33952689 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an acute inflammatory process resulting in rheumatic carditis, one of the most common acquired heart diseases in youth. Among the clinical manifestations of carditis, pathologic valve regurgitation and atrioventricular block are included in the criteria for the diagnosis of ARF. Besides atrioventricular block, ARF may often present with other arrhythmias, such as junctional tachycardia (JT). However, JT is currently not recognized as a criterion for the diagnosis of ARF. Three adolescents presented in our hospital with JT, polyarthralgia, and laboratory signs of inflammation with evidence of preceding group A Streptococcus infection. None of the patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of ARF. On the basis of the presumed diagnosis of ARF, all 3 patients were treated with intravenous steroids. Steroid therapy was given, and JT converted to sinus rhythm within an average of 62 hours. Subsequent electrocardiograms revealed variable degree of atrioventricular block in all 3 patients, providing clinical evidence and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of ARF. Patients were monitored for a total 2 to 8 days before discharge on standard antiinflammatory treatment. Follow-up electrocardiograms and Holter monitoring revealed resolution of the atrioventricular block and lack of JT recurrence in all patients. On the basis of these sentinel cases, we propose that JT should be included as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of ARF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andras Bratincsak
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and .,Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group, Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Jenny Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and
| | - Rian Yalamanchili
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and
| | - Prashant J Purohit
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and.,Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group, Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Konstantine P Xoinis
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and.,Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group, Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Melissa S W Yamauchi
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and.,Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group, Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES First-degree heart block is a minor manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. Second and third degree heart block and junctional rhythms occur less commonly. We report patients presenting with these latter three electrocardiographic abnormalities and investigate their diagnostic utility. DESIGN Patients admitted to our centre meeting the 2014 New Zealand Rheumatic Fever Guideline Diagnostic Criteria for rheumatic fever over a 5-year period from January 2010 to December 2014 were identified. Clinical, haematologic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic records were reviewed. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were considered abnormal if there was second- or third-degree atrioventricular block or junctional rhythms. Comparative data from patients with advanced conduction abnormalities without a diagnosis of rheumatic fever during the same time period were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 201 patients met inclusion criteria for rheumatic fever. Of these, 17 (8.5%) had transient abnormalities of atrioventricular conduction, 5 (2.5%) with second or third-degree atrioventricular block, and 12 (6%) junctional rhythms. The remaining 173 (86%) patients had evidence of rheumatic valvulitis at presentation. Only one patient without rheumatic fever was found to have advanced conduction abnormalities over the study period, from a total of 3702 ECG. CONCLUSIONS This large contemporary cohort of acute rheumatic fever shows that 8.5% of cases had either advanced atrioventricular block or junctional rhythms both highly suggestive of the diagnosis in our population.
Collapse
|
4
|
Umapathy S, Saxena A. Acute rheumatic fever presenting as complete heart block: report of an adolescent case and review of literature. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-223792. [PMID: 29440244 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 14-year-old boy suffering from chronic rheumatic heart disease came to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of presyncope and syncope. He was found to have complete heart block (CHB) and required temporary pacemaker insertion. Further workup revealed that CHB was secondary to acute rheumatic carditis. His atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities recovered in a stepwise fashion over 5 days while he was being treated with corticosteroids, without the need for permanent pacemaker insertion. This case illustrates that acute rheumatic carditis can rarely present with advanced AV conduction block, which may be reversible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Saxena
- Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Newdelhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Accelerated junctional rhythm has been reported in children in the setting of acute rheumatic fever; however, we describe a hitherto unreported case of isolated junctional tachycardia in a child with streptococcal pharyngitis, not meeting revised Jones criteria for rheumatic fever. A previously healthy, 9-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with complaints of sore throat, low-grade fever, and intermittent chest pain. She was found to have a positive rapid streptococcal antigen test. The initial electrocardiogram showed junctional tachycardia with atrioventricular dissociation in addition to prolonged and aberrant atrioventricular conduction. An echocardiogram revealed normal cardiac anatomy with normal biventricular function. The patient responded to treatment with amoxicillin for streptococcal pharyngitis. The junctional tachycardia and other electrocardiogram abnormalities resolved during follow-up.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hubail Z, Ebrahim IM. Advanced heart block in acute rheumatic fever. J Saudi Heart Assoc 2016; 28:113-5. [PMID: 27053901 PMCID: PMC4803770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsha.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
First degree heart block is considered a minor criterion for the diagnosis of this condition. The cases presented here demonstrate that higher degrees of heart block do occur in rheumatic fever. Children presenting with acquired heart block should be worked-up for rheumatic fever. Likewise, it is imperative to serially follow the electrocardiogram in patients already diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever, as the conduction abnormalities can change during the course of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zakariya Hubail
- Department of Pediatrics, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain
| | - Ishaq M Ebrahim
- Department of Pediatrics, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abdul Ghani OA, Singh D. Acute Rheumatic Carditis: A Rare Cause for Reversible Complete Heart Block. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH : A JOURNAL OF ASIA PACIFIC MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 74:341-344. [PMID: 26535164 PMCID: PMC4610260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A previously healthy 18-year-old man presented to the emergency department with weakness, fever, and joint pains and was found to have complete heart block with transient asystole requiring urgent transvenous pacing. After further workup, the patient was found to have complete heart block secondary to acute rheumatic carditis. The conduction system recovered in a step-wise fashion following treatment with Penicillin, and high dose Aspirin, without the need for permanent pacemaker placement. This case illustrates that acute rheumatic carditis, although rare, can present with advanced conduction system involvement, which is reversible if treatment is initiated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Abdul Ghani
- The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
| | - David Singh
- The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the course of acute rheumatic fever, some electrocardiographic changes are seen. First-degree atrioventricular block is the most common electrocardiographic abnormality. Second- and third-degree atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia, and junctional acceleration are also seen. In the present study, the specificity of accelerated junctional rhythm to acute rheumatic fever was INVESTIGATED. METHODS The study included patients with acute rheumatic fever (Group 1), healthy children who had suffered from recent group A β-haemolytic streptococcal upper respiratory tract infection but did not develop acute rheumatic fever (Group 2), and patients who had other diseases that may affect the joints and/or heart (Group 3). RESULTS Accelerated junctional rhythm was detected in 10 patients in Group 1, but in none of the patients from Group 2 or 3. Specificity of accelerated junctional rhythm for acute rheumatic fever was 100% and the positive predictive value was 100%. CONCLUSION Accelerated junctional rhythm is specific to acute rheumatic fever. Although its frequency is low, it seems that it can be used in the differential diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, especially in patients with isolated polyarthritis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Datta G. Syncope in a child. Ann Pediatr Cardiol 2013; 6:93-4. [PMID: 23626448 PMCID: PMC3634260 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2069.107246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a well-characterized illness. However, syncope in ARF due to advanced heart block is very rare. A 10-year-old boy was admitted with recurrent syncope for 12 h. The patient was diagnosed as ARF because of arthritis, elevated acute phase reactants, advanced heart block, high antistreptolysin O titer, and echocardiographic evidence of mitral regurgitation. On the 9(th) day of hospitalization, the electrocardiogram revealed normal sinus rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Datta
- Department of Cardiology, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Balli S, Oflaz MB, Kibar AE, Ece I. Rhythm and conduction analysis of patients with acute rheumatic fever. Pediatr Cardiol 2013; 34:383-9. [PMID: 22868672 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-012-0467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Various rhythm and conduction abnormalities can develop in acute rheumatic fever. This study investigated rhythm and conduction abnormalities in children with acute rheumatic fever using a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and 24-h rhythm Holter recordings. This multicenter retrospective study, performed between August 2011 and March 2012, enrolled 73 consecutive children with acute rheumatic fever. Standard electrocardiography was used to measure PR and corrected QT intervals. Holter recordings were evaluated for all the patients, and 52 of the patients (71.2 %) had carditis that was either isolated or together with other major criteria. A positive correlation was detected between carditis and the mean PR interval on standard electrocardiography, but this was not significant (p > 0.05). Standard electrocardiography showed a significant positive correlation between PR and corrected QT intervals (p = 0.03; r = 0.55). Standard electrocardiography showed only three patients (4.2 %) with premature contractions, whereas 24-h electrocardiography showed 26 patients (35.6 %) with premature contractions. Carditis was positively correlated with premature contractions (p < 0.01; r = 0.57). One patient with junctional rhythm and one patient with left bundle block were detected by standard electrocardiography. Whereas some patients with carditis exhibited no arrhythmic evidence on standard electrocardiograms, complete atrioventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia, and Mobitz type 1 block were observed on 24-h Holter recordings. A positive correlation also was observed between the presence of premature contractions and serum levels of acute-phase reactants (p = 0.03; r = 0.62). These findings led to the conclusion that rhythm and conduction disorders in acute rheumatic fever are more common than previously thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevket Balli
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Balıkesir Atatürk Hospital, Yıldız Mahallesi, Soma Caddesi, Balıkesir, Turkey.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Carano N, Bo I, Tchana B, Vecchione E, Fantoni S, Agnetti A. Adams-Stokes attack as the first symptom of acute rheumatic fever: report of an adolescent case and review of the literature. Ital J Pediatr 2012; 38:61. [PMID: 23110777 PMCID: PMC3520864 DOI: 10.1186/1824-7288-38-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acquired complete heart block, in pediatric age is mainly the results of direct injury to conduction tissue during cardiac surgery or cardiac catheterisation. It can also be observed in different clinical settings as infectious diseases, neoplasia, and inflammatory diseases. It has a wide range of presentation and in some settings it can appear a dramatic event. Although a rare finding during acute rheumatic fever, with a transient course, it may need a specific and intensive treatment. Case presentation We report the case of an Adams-Stokes attack in an adolescent with acute rheumatic carditis and complete atrio-ventricular block. The attack was the first symptom of carditis. We reviewed the literature and could find 25 cases of complete atrio-ventricular block due to rheumatic fever. Ten of the 25 patients experienced an Adams-Stokes attack. Nineteen of the 25 patients were certainly in the pediatric age group. Seven of the 19 pediatric cases experienced an Adams-Stokes attack. In 16/25 cases, the duration of the atrio-ventricular block was reported: it lasted from a few minutes to ten days. Pacemaker implantation was necessary in 7 cases. Conclusion Rheumatic fever must be kept in mind in the diagnostic work-up of patients with acquired complete atrio-ventricular block, particularly when it occurs in pediatric patients. The insertion of a temporary pacemaker should be considered when complete atrio-ventricular block determines Adams-Stokes attacks. Complete heart block during acute rheumatic fever is rare and is usually transient. Along with endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis, complete atrio-ventricular block has been recognized, rarely, during the course of acute rheumatic carditis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Carano
- Department of Paediatrics-Paediatric Cardiology Unit, University of Parma, via Gramsci, 14 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease occurring after acute streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis. The PR prolongation in these patients is thought to be due to increased vagal activity. There has been no previous study investigating the autonomic balance in patients with acute rheumatic fever. In this study, we aimed to investigate the balance of the autonomic nervous system in children with acute rheumatic fever by analysis of heart rate variability. METHODS We evaluated the heart rate variability parameters in 50 patients with acute rheumatic fever and 37 comparable control subjects. Both groups underwent 24-hour electrocardiography monitoring, and time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters were calculated. A total of 39 patients (78%), with (n = 28) or without (n = 11) other major findings, had carditis, and the remaining 11 (22%) did not. The PR interval was found to be prolonged in 10 (20%) of the patients at the beginning. RESULTS In the study group, the time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters showed a sympathetic dominance compared with the control group, with a p-value less than 0.05. When compared with the control group, the time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters showed a significant sympathetic dominance in patients with both prolonged PR and normal PR intervals in the acute period, with a p-value less than 0.05. When compared with patients with normal PR interval, mean normalised low frequency and normalised high frequency parameters suggested a relatively lower sympathetic dominance in patients with prolonged PR interval, with a p-value less than 0.05. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that in the acute period of rheumatic fever, sympathetic dominance is apparent; in patients with prolonged PR interval, sympathetic dominance is relatively lower when compared with the patients with normal PR interval.
Collapse
|
13
|
Naik M, Bhat T, Naqash M, Yaqoob I. Transient Type1 Second Degree AV Block in Acute Rheumatic Fever. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2012. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/82483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
14
|
Cevik A, Pektas A, Kula S, Olgunturk R. Unusual presentation of acute rheumatic fever: complete atrioventricular block. Pediatr Int 2012; 54:307-8. [PMID: 22507163 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2012.03584.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
15
|
|
16
|
Asymptomatic rhythm and conduction abnormalities in children with acute rheumatic fever: 24-hour electrocardiography study. Cardiol Young 2010; 20:620-30. [PMID: 20584349 DOI: 10.1017/s104795111000079x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Some rhythm and conduction abnormalities can occur in children with acute rheumatic fever. These abnormalities have been defined based on standard electrocardiography; however, the real prevalence of these abnormalities has not been investigated previously by the evaluation of long-term electrocardiographic recordings. In this study, we evaluated the asymptomatic rhythm and conduction abnormalities in children with acute rheumatic fever by evaluating the 24-hour electrocardiography. We evaluated the standard electrocardiography and the 24-hour electrocardiography of 64 children with acute rheumatic fever. On standard electrocardiography, the frequency of the first-degree atrioventricular block was found to be 21.9%. Electrocardiography at 24 hours detected three additional and separate patients with a long PR interval. Mobitz type I block and atypical Wenckebach periodicity were determined in one patient (1.56%) on 24-hour electrocardiography. While accelerated junctional rhythm was detected in three patients on standard electrocardiography, it was present in nine patients according to 24-hour electrocardiography. Premature contractions were present in 1.7% of standard electrocardiography, but in 29.7% of 24-hour electrocardiography. Absence of carditis was found to be related to the presence of accelerated junctional rhythm (p > 0.05), and the presence of carditis was found to be related to the presence of premature contractions (p = 0.000). In conclusion, our results suggest that in children with acute rheumatic fever, the prevalence of rhythm and conduction abnormalities may be much higher than determined on standard electrocardiography. Further studies are needed to clarify whether or not these abnormalities are specific to acute rheumatic fever.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yoo GH. Complete atrioventricular block in an adolescent with rheumatic Fever. Korean Circ J 2009; 39:121-3. [PMID: 19949599 PMCID: PMC2771801 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2009.39.3.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 12/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic fever is an acute inflammatory sequela following a group A, β-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever is characterized by polyarthritis, carditis, chorea, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema marginatum as the major diagnostic criteria. Rarely, advanced heart block may also occur. A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the Pediatric Department for evaluation and management of complete atrioventricular block. The patient had exertional dyspnea for 1 month. Based on the findings of mitral regurgitation, fever, elevated acute phase reactants, and a high antistreptolysin O titer, the patient was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. A benzathine penicillin injection was administered, as well as salicylate therapy. On the 5th day of hospitalization, the electrocardiogram revealed a normal sinus rhythm with a 1st degree atrioventricular block. After discharge, the electrocardiogram normalized with the monthly penicillin injections. Herein we report a case of complete atrioventricular block associated with rheumatic fever. The heart block resolved without specific cardiac treatment, other than a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyeong-Hee Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
One hundred fifteen attacks of acute rheumatic fever were observed during the past two decades (1969 to 1988) at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center; 104 were initial attacks and 11 were recurrences. The maximum number of cases (18) occurred during the first year of this period, 1969; thereafter the annual incidence decreased until a resurgence was apparent in 1985 to 1986, with 25 cases. There were no differences in the frequency of major manifestations nor the severity of carditis in the 1970s compared with the 1980s. Polyarthritis alone was present in 51 cases, carditis alone in 31, and combined carditis and polyarthritis in 28; chorea was diagnosed in 5. Congestive heart failure occurred in 17 attacks of carditis, including one death from fulminant disease in 1982. In contrast to recent reports, the majority of the affected population was urban, low income, and from crowded communities: more than half were Hispanic, predominantly from Dominican Republic families. The prevalence of acute rheumatic fever underscores the need for early detection and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. The observation that 9.5% of the attacks were recurrent reflects failure to comply with antimicrobial prophylaxis and reaffirms the need for more effective secondary prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S P Griffiths
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yahalom M, Jerushalmi J, Roguin N. Adult acute rheumatic fever: a rare case presenting with left bundle branch block. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 1990; 13:123-7. [PMID: 1689027 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1990.tb02011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to the more common electrocardiographic patterns seen in acute rheumatic fever, such as first-degree heart block, the appearance of left bundle branch block is rare. An adult patient with acute rheumatic fever presented with left bundle branch block on admission, subsequently had sudden cardiac arrest. She was resuscitated successfully and required temporary pacing. An echocardiogram and radionuclide ventriculography were compatible with interventricular septal involvement in the rheumatic carditis. After 20 days of steroid therapy, the left bundle branch block pattern of the electrocardiogram disappeared. A possible mechanism for the development of complete heart block in acute rheumatic fever is discussed. It is suggested that patients with acute rheumatic carditis who have electrocardiographic manifestations of prolonged P-R interval and left bundle branch block should be managed with prophylactic pacing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Yahalom
- Intensive Cardiac Care Unit and Heart Institute, Western Galilee Regional Hospital, Nahariya, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
A 38 year old woman presented with severe weakness, high fever, and sore throat. Physical examination showed follicular tonsillitis and bradycardia caused by a atrioventricular block. Within 24 hours a normal sinus rhythm was regained but slight transient ST-T changes compatible with myocarditis were evident. Throat culture grew Streptococcus haemolyticus group A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Caraco
- Department of Medicine B, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Carruthers SG, McCall B, Cordell BA, Wu R. Relationships between heart rate and PR interval during physiological and pharmacological interventions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1987; 23:259-65. [PMID: 2882775 PMCID: PMC1386222 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1987.tb03043.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationships between heart rates (HR) and corresponding PR intervals (PR) were studied in 12 healthy young subjects during rest, standing and graduated treadmill exercise to heart rates of 160 to 170 beats min-1 and during the infusion of isoprenaline to heart rates of 100 to 110 beats min-1. During exercise, PR diminished with increasing HR. Over the range of HR from 60 to 160 beats min-1 all 12 individual subjects exhibited negative linear correlations between HR and PR described by the equation: PR (ms) = -0.351 HR (beats min-1) + 176.7 for composite data. During isoprenaline infusion the PR interval also diminished with increasing heart rate. Over the range of HR from 60 to 110 beats min-1, 11 of the 12 subjects exhibited negative linear correlations between HR and PR described by the equation: PR (ms) = -0.582 HR (beats min-1) + 186.5 for composite data. The exercise model was used to study the indirect (or rate-dependent) effects and the direct actions on atrioventricular conduction of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs and calcium channel antagonists, alone and in combination, in three groups of healthy subjects. Control and placebo observations on HR and PR at rest, standing and during exercise in these additional subjects also exhibited individual inverse linear relationships between HR and PR. Following the administration of beta-adrenoceptor blockers, PR were prolonged more than expected at the HR observed. Rate-adjusted PR prolongation during exercise exceeded standing which exceeded resting, indicating greater beta-adrenoceptor blockade in atrioventricular nodal tissue than in sinoatrial nodal tissue at each level of activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
|
22
|
|