RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND AORTIC VALVE CHANGES: PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant cause of acquired cardiovascular morbidity in children, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. It develops as a chronic sequela of acute rheumatic fever following untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal infection. Although mitral valve involvement is most common, aortic valve pathology is frequently observed and contributes to progressive hemodynamic deterioration. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanisms, echocardiographic features, and clinical implications of aortic valve changes in pediatric rheumatic heart disease. Emphasis is placed on early diagnosis, Doppler echocardiographic assessment, and long-term management strategies aimed at preventing irreversible valvular damage.