Rheumatic valvulitis without auscultatory findings: doppler echocardiography study

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the value of pulsed Doppler echocardiography in acute rheumatic fever valvulitis with negative auscultatory findings, we studied 25 patients prospectively in a 2 year period. Eighteen patients [72%] had significant Doppler findings at a single or more valves. In a period of one to three months, 50% of the patients had no more significant flow by Doppler studies and no change in findings on the third follow-up performed 18 months after second evaluation in 24% of the patients. It is concluded that valvular regurgitation as detected by Doppler in patients with ART and negative auscultatory findings can be used as evidence of valvulitis during the acute phase of the disease. It may also help to monitor the treatment and follow-up of such cases