Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · May 2011
Case ReportsFulminant valvulitis from acute rheumatic fever: successful use of extracorporeal support.
To describe an unusual case of fulminant rheumatic fever presenting acutely as severe respiratory failure managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ultimately valve replacement while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ⋯ Manifestations of rheumatic fever can develop acutely even in the setting of an industrialized country. Valvulitis with severe, isolated mitral valve dysfunction may masquerade initially as respiratory failure. Multiple invasive procedures can be performed successfully while patients are fully anticoagulated and on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.