How is Rheumatic Fever diagnosed?

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, but can also occur in adults. Early diagnosis of rheumatic fever is crucial to prevent further complications and manage the condition effectively.

Diagnosing rheumatic fever involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and laboratory tests. The process typically begins with a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional. They will assess the patient's symptoms, medical history, and look for signs of inflammation or damage to the heart, joints, skin, and other affected areas.

One of the key diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever is the presence of certain symptoms and signs. These may include:

• Fever


• Joint pain and swelling


• Red, hot, and swollen joints


• Small, painless nodules under the skin


• Red, raised rash (known as erythema marginatum)


• Jerky, uncontrollable body movements (known as Sydenham's chorea)

Additionally, laboratory tests are essential in confirming the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. These tests help identify the presence of streptococcal bacteria and assess the body's immune response. The most commonly used tests include:

• Throat culture: A swab is taken from the back of the throat to check for the presence of streptococcal bacteria. This test helps determine if the patient had a recent strep infection.


• Blood tests: Blood samples are analyzed to measure the levels of certain antibodies, such as antistreptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B. Elevated levels of these antibodies indicate a recent strep infection.


• C-reactive protein (CRP) test: This blood test measures the level of CRP, a marker of inflammation in the body. Increased CRP levels suggest ongoing inflammation, which is common in rheumatic fever.


• Echocardiogram: This imaging test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It helps evaluate the structure and function of the heart valves and detects any abnormalities or damage caused by rheumatic fever.

It is important to note that the diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on a combination of clinical findings and test results. The Jones criteria, which include major and minor criteria, are commonly used to aid in the diagnosis. The presence of specific symptoms, along with evidence of a recent strep infection and inflammation, helps confirm the diagnosis.

If rheumatic fever is diagnosed, prompt treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and other supportive measures is initiated to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent further complications.