How is rheumatic fever primarily diagnosed?

Rheumatic fever is primarily diagnosed using the presence of major and minor Jones criteria. This system was established to help clinicians identify the condition based on a combination of clinical findings and evidence of a preceding streptococcal infection, specifically pharyngitis.

The major criteria include specific manifestations such as carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules. The minor criteria encompass symptoms that are less specific, such as fever, arthralgia, and elevated inflammatory markers. To confirm a diagnosis of rheumatic fever, a patient typically needs to meet either two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria.

This structured approach reinforces the importance of both clinical observation and a thorough medical history. While other diagnostic tools like blood tests can assist in identifying streptococcal infection or measuring inflammatory markers, and imaging studies such as echocardiography can reveal cardiac involvement, they do not solely determine the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Thus, the integration of Jones criteria is essential in making a definitive diagnosis.