Acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic disease

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease, a sequel of acute rheumatic fever, remains the most common cause of acquired heart disease worldwide and today it is a disease of poverty. This chapter describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and management principles of acute rheumatic fever. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, its clinical manifestation, and medical and surgical management are also presented.