Rheumatic heart disease in the modern era: recent developments and current challenges

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical Vol. 52; p. e20180041
• Main Authors: Leal, Matheus Tozatto Baptista Coelho, Passos, Livia Silva Araújo, Guarçoni, Felipe Vieira, Aguiar, João Marcelo de Souza, Silva, Rafael Benjamim Rosa da, Paula, Thiago Mendonça Nunes de, Santos, Rafael Figueiredo Dos, Nassif, Maria Cecília Landim, Gomes, Nayana F A, Tan, Timothy C, Nunes, Maria Carmo Pereira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT 01-01-2019; Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Echocardiographic screening; Pathogenesis; Rheumatic heart disease; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Valve disease; Valve disease; Rheumatic heart disease; Echocardiographic screening; Pathogenesis
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 1678-9849
• DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0041-2019

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major cause of preventable death and disability in children and young adults. Despite significant advances in medical technology and increased understanding of disease mechanisms, RHD continues to be a serious public health problem throughout the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Echocardiographic screening has played a key role in improving the accuracy of diagnosing RHD and has highlighted the disease burden. Most affected patients present with severe valve disease and limited access to life-saving cardiac surgery or percutaneous valve intervention, contributing to increased mortality and other complications. Although understanding of disease pathogenesis has advanced in recent years, key questions remain to be addressed. Preventing or providing early treatment for streptococcal infections is the most important step in reducing the burden of this disease.