Which complication can occur as a result of acute rheumatic fever?

Acute rheumatic fever is a inflammatory disease that can arise as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infection (strep throat). One of the notable complications of acute rheumatic fever is Sydenham chorea, which is characterized by rapid, unintentional movements and can be quite distressing for the affected individual. This movement disorder is linked to the autoimmune response triggered by the body's reaction to streptococcal bacteria, leading to inflammation in different areas of the body, including the basal ganglia in the brain, which is responsible for controlling movement.

The pathophysiology of Sydenham chorea involves the production of antibodies against streptococcal antigens that cross-react with neuronal components, resulting in these involuntary movements. This condition can manifest weeks to months after the initial infection and is one of the major criteria used to diagnose rheumatic fever as per the Jones criteria.

In summary, the association of Sydenham chorea with acute rheumatic fever highlights the autoimmune nature of this condition and its potential neurological consequences, differentiating it from the other listed complications.