Acute rheumatic myocarditis
Complications
Complications are usually very severe and life-threatening. Complications of acute rheumatic myocarditis include: Acute insufficiency of the left ventricle Cardiac ascites, or acute pulmonary edema Chronic cardiac insufficiency Dangerous rhythm disruptions Circulation problems which may even lead to a stroke Introduction
Acute rheumatic myocarditis occurs when during a rheumatic attack (during which the articulations may or may not be affected), and inflammation of the myocardium occurs. The myocardium is the layer of the heart which is most often affected from rheumatism.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to those experienced for acute articular rheumatism. Patients also experience the following symptoms: precordial pain (in the chest), dyspnea (difficulties breathing), rhythm disruptions, high fever, general fatigue, etc.
Causes
The main cause for this disease is the betahaemolytic Streptococcus of group A, which is found in common infectious sites such as the mouth; in dental granulomas, dental abscesses, paradontosis, and other infections such as chronic tonsillitis.
Diagnosis
In general a diagnosis is easily assigned, but this may be more challenging in cases where the joints (articulations) are not affected (abarticular forms). In determining a diagnosis for the condition it helps; clinical results, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, etc.
Complications
Complications of acute rheumatic myocarditis include: acute insufficiency of the left ventricle, cardiac ascites, (acute pulmonary edema), chronic cardiac insufficiency, dangerous rhythm disruptions, etc.
Treatment
The patient will be hospitalized and kept under supervision in absolute rest, consuming a light diet rich in vitamin and protein, low in salt. Those suffering from tachycardia have ice packets applied to the chest.
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