Rupture of tendinous chords during acute rheumatic carditis in young children.

Four children (age range 2 3/4-6 1/2 years) presented with acute mitral regurgitation due to rupture of the tendinous chords. All required urgent replacement of their mitral valve. Subsequent histological examination confirmed acute rheumatic carditis in all. Acute rheumatic carditis is a rare cause of ruptured tendinous chords of the mitral valve especially in young children. The difficulties in diagnosis and management are discussed.