Work

Stroke as First Presentation of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pediatric Age Group – a Case Report from Developing Country, Rwanda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a chronic consequence of acute rheumatic fever, rarely presents with stroke as an initial manifestation in children. This report shows a rare scenario where ischemic stroke was the first clinical presentation of underlying RHD. Case Presentation: A 10-year-old boy presented with seizures, hemiplegia, and expressive aphasia. Echocardiography revealed rheumatic mitral valve disease with a vegetation. Neuroimaging showed multifocal cerebral infarctions suggestive of cardioembolism. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of echocardiographic screening in pediatric patients presenting with stroke, particularly in endemic regions where subclinical RHD may go undiagnosed.

Source: Pediatric Health Medicine and Therapeutics

DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s553619

Authors: Temesgen Desta, Mugwaneza Peace, Johnson Kayihura

Institutions: University of Rwanda, Rwanda Military Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Streptococcal Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,320