AUTHOR=Lupieri Adrien , Jha Prabhash K. , Nizet Victor , Dutra Walderez O. , Nunes Maria Carmo P. , Levine Robert A. , Aikawa Elena 

TITLE=Rheumatic heart valve disease: navigating the challenges of an overlooked autoimmune disorder

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1537104

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2025.1537104

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=Despite being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young people, affecting predominantly women, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains neglected and understudied. This autoimmune condition arises from a complex continuum that begins with repeated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis, leading to acute rheumatic fever (ARF) that eventually results in damage to the heart, mainly affecting the mitral valve. While RHD has been nearly eradicated in high-income countries, it continues to be a significant and active health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The resolution of this disease faces several challenges, including the difficulty of diagnosis and the lack of access to preventive measures in resource-poor communities. Addressing these issues will require a global health collaboration involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy groups. However, over the past two decades, there has been a revival of scientific interest, fostering optimism for the future. Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of RHD, shedding light on the immune-to-autoimmune transition, neoangiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis processes. Additionally, perspectives of discoveries in biomarkers and the development of genetic, transcriptomic, and provide a solid foundation for further advancements in the field.