Major criteria for rheumatic fever are –
## **Core Concept**
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur following a Group A Streptococcus infection, such as strep throat. It affects the heart, skin, joints, and brain. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on the Jones criteria, which include major and minor criteria.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The major criteria for rheumatic fever, as per the Jones criteria, include:
- **Carditis**: inflammation of the heart
- **Polyarthritis**: inflammation of multiple joints
- **Sydenham's chorea**: a neurological disorder characterized by rapid, involuntary movements
- **Erythema marginatum**: a rash with a distinctive "marginal" pattern
- **Subcutaneous nodules**: painless lumps under the skin
These criteria help in diagnosing rheumatic fever.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not list all the major criteria for rheumatic fever.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because, similar to option A, it does not accurately represent all the major criteria.
- **Option C:** Although not explicitly listed, if this option does not include all five major criteria (carditis, polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules), it is incorrect.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the diagnosis of rheumatic fever requires either two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria, along with evidence of a preceding Group A Streptococcus infection.
## **Correct Answer:** . Major criteria for rheumatic fever.