PSIO 485 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Group A Streptococcal Infection, Mitral Valve Stenosis, Aortic Stenosis
26 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
The usual cause of acquired valvular dysfunction is the inflammation of the endocardium secondary to acute rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis. Rheumatic fever: inflammatory disease which may develop after a group a streptococcal infection(such as strep throat or scarlet fever) and can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Valvular stenosis is when the valve orifice is constricted and narrowed. Intraventricular or atrial pressure increases in the chamber to overcome resistance to flow through the valve. The left side of the heart deals with greater pressure, then the right side of the heart. Inflammatory damage caused by rheumatic fever- scar tissue forms on valve- causing a narrowing of the aortic valve: congenital malformation-aorta is not structured correctly. Instead of three leaflets in the aortic valve, the person may have a different number of leaflets: degenerative thickening and calcification- deposits of calcium can buildup which leads to thickening/stiffening of the valve.
