How can we Diagnose Rheumatic Fever?
The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on physical examination and diagnostic tests.
Physical examination involves carefully checking the heart sounds, skin and joints.
Tests may include-
- Echocardiogram (ECG) - This may show inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Chest X-ray may also be recommended.
- Blood test may show increased white blood cell count. A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may also be found in infected cases.
- ASO (antistreptolysin-O -titre) is recommended. This may be very high in infected cases.
