Acute rheumatic myocarditis
Causes
The causes and means of infection for this condition are described for acute rheumatic polyarthritis
The main cause for this disease is the beta-haemolytic 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.
The streptococcal theory is based on:
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Bacteriological data. Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus was isolated from extracting material from sites of infection.
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Immunological data. Streptococcus bears extracellular and intracellular antigens. Extracellular antigens include streptolysin, which is a protein that increases in levels during rheumatism, streptokinase which is a phosphorylating enzyme, streptodornase, hyaluronidase, which is another enzyme found in elevated levels in patients suffering from rheumatism. Intracellular antigens include: polysaccharides, protein M.
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Epidemiological data. It has been noticed that an increase in patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis is correlated with an increase in patients suffering from acute articular rheumatism.
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Therapeutic data. Using antibiotics to treat streptococcal angina or using antibiotics with slow release into the bloodstream leads to a decrease of cases of rheumatism.
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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