Importance of Early Diagnosis in Rheumatic Fever

Abstract

Three patients are presented who illustrate: (1) coincidence of onset of acute rheumatic fever with beginning school; (2) possible obscurity of manifestations; (3) significance of murmurs; (4) roentgenography to disclose left auricular and generalized enlargement; (5) removal of tonsils on bases other than rheumatic fever; (6) penicillin and sulfanilamide for prevention of recrudescences; (7) necessity of continued care by physician; (8) improved prognosis, and (9) importance of family physician in solution of problem through early diagnosis and proper management