Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a sequela of pharyngeal and skin infection with group A β–haemolytic Streptococcus, affects approximately 33 million persons globally, with low– and middleincome countries (LMICs) disproportionately more affected.1 RHD globally contributes the largest share to cardiovascular mortality in individuals under 50 years old.2 Sub–Saharan Africa (SSA) bears the greatest burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality related to RHD.3 In highly endemic parts of SSA, the prevalence of RHD ranges from 4.6 to 21.7 per 1 000 individuals, based on echocardiographic screening.