Sydenham’s Chorea: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sydenham’s chorea is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by sudden, involuntary, arrhythmic, choreic, and purposeless movements. It is a nonsuppurative sequel of group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, which is known to be a common cause of chorea. According to the 1992 modified Jones criteria, acute rheumatic fever is a major criterion and is sufficient evidence on which to base a diagnosis. Despite the decreased incidence of Sydenham’s chorea, isolated cases and also sometimes epidemics may be seen. We discuss the case report with the literature and describe the history, clinical features, and management of a 11-year-old female child with Sydenham’s chorea who presented to our pediatric infectious disease department. Our aim is to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment as soon as possible to prevent acute rheumatic fever and to emphasize the nonsuppurative complications.