A 28-year-old Aboriginal man living in a very remote community presents with shortness of breath and chest pain on exertion. He had recurrent sore thr...

Question

A 28-year-old Aboriginal man living in a very remote community presents with shortness of breath and chest pain on exertion. He had recurrent sore throats in childhood. Echocardiogram shows severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. What is the MOST appropriate long-term management plan in addition to penicillin prophylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Arrange timely referral for consideration of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy

Answer

No further intervention is required

Answer

Start long-term high-dose NSAIDs

Answer

Avoid physical activity but no cardiology review

Answer

Treat with ACE inhibitors only

au-racp MCQ (SBA): Severe rheumatic mitral stenosis