An autoimmune condition that may occur following group A streptococcus throat infection - antibodies against streptococcus also targetting tissues in the body (2-6 weeks after)

• A multi-system disorder affecting the joints, heart, skin, nervous system

Epidemiology:

• Causes large burden of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, less common in developed countries

Risk factors:

• poverty
• overcrowded living
• family Hx of rheumatic fever
• HLA class 2 associated
• Pregnancy may precipitate carditis

PC

• Fever
• Joint pain and swollen joints
• recent sore throat or scarlet fever
• chest pain
• SOB
• palpitations