A
firm diagnosis requires that two major or one major and two minor
criteria are satisfied, in addition to evidence of recent streptococcal
infection.
Major Criteria
- Carditis:
- Al layers of cardiac tissue are affected (pericardium, epicardium, myocardium, endocardium) The patient may have a new or changing murmur, with mitral regurgitation being the most common followed by aortic insufficiency.
- Polyarthritis:
- Migrating arthritis that typically affects the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. The joints are very painful and symptoms are very responsive to anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Chorea:
- Also known as Syndenham´s chorea, or "St. Vitus´ dance". There are abrupt, purposeless movements. This may be the only manifestation of ARF and is its presence is diagnostic. May also include emotional disturbances and inappropriate behavior.
- Erythema marginatum:
- A non-pruritic rash that commonly affects the trunk and proximal extremities, but spares the face. The rash typically migrates from central areas to periphery, and has well-defined borders.
- Subcutaneous nodules:
- Usually located over bones or tendons, these nodules are painles
Minor Criteria
- Fever
- Arthralgia
- Previous rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
- Acute phase reactants: Leukocytosis, elevated eritrosedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Prolonged P-R interval on electrocardiogram (ECG
Evidence of preceding streptococcal infection: Any one of the following is considered adequate evidence of infection:
- Increased antistreptolysin O or other streptococcal antibodies
- Positive throat culture for Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci
- Positive rapid direct Group A strep carbohydrate antigen test
- Recent scarlet fever.
