How is rheumatic fever diagnosed?

Rheumatic fever is diagnosed primarily using the Jones criteria, which are a set of clinical and laboratory findings that help establish the diagnosis. These criteria include major manifestations such as carditis, arthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules, along with supporting evidence of a preceding streptococcal infection, like an elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer or a positive throat culture for Group A Streptococcus.

The use of the Jones criteria allows healthcare providers to systematically assess the presence and severity of symptoms associated with rheumatic fever, ensuring a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. This method emphasizes the importance of recognizing clinical signs and symptoms rather than relying solely on imaging or lab tests, making it an essential tool in the recognition of this condition.

In contrast, other options do not directly contribute to a diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Cardiac MRI is typically used for myocardial assessment rather than for diagnosing rheumatic fever itself. A complete blood count may provide some useful information about overall health and any concomitant infections, but it is not specific for diagnosing rheumatic fever. Similarly, while a chest X-ray can provide insights into pulmonary and cardiac conditions, it does not specifically diagnose rheumatic fever.