Can't stop dancing: could it be St. Vitus' dance?
OBJECTIVE
To inform providers of one of the rare but significant consequences that result from not diagnosing and treating streptococcal pharyngitis: Sydenham's chorea (St. Vitus' dance).


METHODS
Current Internet sources including review articles, informational articles, online medical textbooks, and professional organization Web sites.


CONCLUSIONS
It is vital that each case of streptococcal pharyngitis be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Doing so will help prevent the sequelae associated with streptococcal infections, such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and Sydenham's chorea.


CONCLUSIONS
Streptococcal pharyngitis is a common illness that has the potential to cause very serious consequences. The consequences may be life altering, such as suffering permanent heart damage. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, the sequelae of ARF and Sydenham's chorea can be prevented.
Rogness
Corrie
C
Nursing Division, University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota, USA. corrie@beu.midco.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002819:Chorea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D011379:Prognosis; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants