Open AccessEpistaxis as the initial presentation in a case of rheumatic heart disease
Author(s) -
Monika Pathania,
Vyas Kumar Rathaur,
Archana James Pattupara,
Swati Arya,
Shashank Bansal,
Nidhi Kaeley
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of family medicine and primary care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2278-7135
pISSN - 2249-4863
DOI - 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_211_18
Subject(s) - medicine , presentation (obstetrics) , heart disease , pediatrics , epidemiology , disease , population , rheumatic disease , surgery , environmental health
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains prevalent in developing nations and shows varied presentations, causing diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a case of RHD in a 13-year-old boy who presented with recurrent epistaxis as the initial symptom. On detailed work-up, echocardiography revealed the incidental finding of involvement of mitral and aortic valves but the patient never had any symptom as per the diagnostic criteria for RHD. This report highlights the clinical and epidemiological significance of atypical presentations as such cases might go undiagnosed and untreated, seeking medical attention in advanced stages, which would have otherwise contributed to the actual prevalence of the disease in the population.