Rheumatic Fever Cheat Sheet

Cause:

Strep Pyogenes → Trigger for immune system activation

• Type 2 Hypersensitivity → Molecular mimicry (cross-reactive immune response)

Key Symptoms:

• Fever

• Painful, tender joints (arthritis)

• Mitral stenosis (long-term complication)

Classic Features (FRAPP):

• F: Fever

• R: Raised ESR/CRP

• A: Arthritis (painful, migratory)

• P: Prolonged PR interval (on ECG)

• P: Previous Rheumatic Fever (history

Major Clinical Signs (CASE):

• Carditis

• Arthritis

• Subcutaneous Nodules

• Erythema marginatum (red, circular rash)

• Sydenham's Chorea (involuntary movements)

Diagnosis:

• ESR/CRP → Elevated

• ECG → Prolonged PR interval

• Throat culture or rapid strep test for recent Strep Pyogenes infection

Treatment:

• Oral Penicillin (eradicates the strep infection)

• NSAIDs for joint pain and inflammation