Epistaxis as the initial presentation in a case of rheumatic heart disease

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains prevalent in developing nations and shows varied presentations, causing diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a case of RHD in a 13-year-old boy who presented with recurrent epistaxis as the initial symptom. On detailed work-up, echocardiography revealed the incidental finding of involvement of mitral and aortic valves but the patient never had any symptom as per the diagnostic criteria for RHD. This report highlights the clinical and epidemiological significance of atypical presentations as such cases might go undiagnosed and untreated, seeking medical attention in advanced stages, which would have otherwise contributed to the actual prevalence of the disease in the population.

Keywords

• Aortic regurgitation
• mitral regurgitation
• rheumatic epistaxis
• valvular heart disease