Myocardial involvement in the hemodynamic abnormalities associated with acute rheumatic fever

Abstract

Rheumatic fever is still a common cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adult in many developing countries. The aim was to investigate the role of myocardial involvement in the hemodynamic changes in patients with acute rheumatic fever using cardiac troponin assay and echocardiography.Design: A prospective cohort study was designed. Patients and Methods: Thirty-four children with acute rheumatic fever, 20 with carditis, and 14 without carditis.