Echocardiographic Features of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Lagos
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Date
2010
Authors
Ekure, E.N.
Ajuluchukwu, J.N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) isaglobal scourge, resulting insignificant morbidity and mortality. Our aim is to report on the prevalence, and complications of RHD, as documented by echocardiography in a Nigerian tertiary health facility. We performed a retrospective study of RHD patients, who had trans-thoracic echocardiography studies within the 2 year period of January 1- 2001-December 31 2002. Data obtained included age, sex and echocardiographic diagnoses, andparameters. Of the 987 patients, 53 had chronic RHD, thus, the prevalence was 5.4%. Male female ratio was 1:1.8 and their average age was 30.1 years. Commonest indication for study was congestive heart failure (68%). One, two and three valves were affected in 45 (85%), 7(13%), and 1(2%) respectively. Valves involved were mitral - 49 (93%), aortic - 18.6%, and tricuspid 2(7.5%) respectively. Mixed mitral stenosis/regurgitation (42%) was the commonest lesion, and complications included right ventricular overload (20%), thromboembolic risk (20%), and heart failure (70%). RHD is still prevalent in Lagos, Nigeria and associated with grave complications. Valvular involvement remains unchanged as the mitral valye still is the most commonly affected valve but there seems to be an increasing prevalence of mixed mitral valve disease thus making management more challenging. Comprehensive hospital registers for rheumatic heart disease and community based studies are needed to establish the current prevalence.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Rheumatic Heart Disease , rheumatic fever , heart valves , echocardiography , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Ajuluchukwu, J.N. and Ekure, E.N. Echocardiographic features of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Lagos. MJSM 2010; 10(1): 116-123