Chronic rheumatic heart disease: An evidence-base case report

Abstract

Introduction-Rheumatic heart disease is the most commonly acquired heart disease in people under age 25. The disease results from damage to heart valves caused by one or several episodes of rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to throat infection with group A streptococcus (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat). It most commonly occurs in childhood, and can lead to death or life-long disability. Case summary: At the medicine OPD of the Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, a 39-year-old male patient arrived with complaints of multiple joint pains all over the body for 7-8 years, but the pain had increased over the last 6-7 months, accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, weakness, sleepiness, and flatulence. His 2-Dimensional ECHO report showed a final diagnosis of CRHD (chronic rheumatic heart disease) with mild mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR), ejection fraction is 60%. He was on penicillin prophylaxis for rheumatic fever. After detailed case taking, repertorization, and consultation with Materia Medica, the homoeopathic medicine Spigelia 200C was prescribed. Result: After regular treatment for 6 months, the patient showed 80% improvement and ejection fraction is increased 71%.