Sydenham chorea (Saint Vitus dance)

Introduction

Chorea associated with infection, generally rheumatic fever.

Clinical manifestations

• gradual onset of symptoms
• irritability
• anxiety
• poor memory
• occasional involuntary choreiform movements with hyper- extended joints
• inaccurate voluntary movements
• hypotonia
• diminished deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
• impaired speech may be present

Laboratory

• lumbar puncture
  • increased CSF pressure
  • increased glucose
  • increased cell count

Management

• treatment is symptomatic
• benzodiazepines may be helpful for controlling chorea
• penicillin may be useful for treating Streptococcal infection

More general terms

• chorea

Additional terms

• rheumatic fever

Patient information

Sydenham chorea (Saint Vitus dance) patient information