Saint Vitus(sp?) Dance?

[Rucksinator]

My dad has a vague memory of elderly people’s shaking hands being referred to as St. Vitus’ Dance, but he’s not sure of the spelling. Is anybody familiar with this? What are the origins of this term, and what causes the shaking anyway?

Thanks,

[Q.E.D]

Chorea

…St. Vitus’s dance, [an] acute disturbance of the central nervous system characterized by involuntary muscular movements of the face and extremities. The disease, known also as Sydenham’s chorea (not to be confused with Huntington’s disease , a hereditary disease of adults that is sometimes called Huntington’s chorea), is usually, but not always, a complication of rheumatic fever.

[KarlGauss]

I am always amazed how the old folks at the hospital instantly recognize the term, but the much younger (but presumably more medically knowledgeable) students and postgraduate trainees have never heard of it.

The presence of St. Vitus dance in a child is diagnostic of acute rheumatic fever.

[Jinx]

…Isn’t Parkinson’s Disease very similar, too? - Jinx

[Qadgop_the_Mercotan]

@KarlGauss

The presence of St. Vitus dance in a child is diagnostic of acute rheumatic fever.

But is it pathognomonic?

[KarlGauss]

Yes, I believe it is pathognomonic.

From here:

Delayed-onset chorea is the only instance in which Jones criteria (see Ch. 270) do not have to be fulfilled to make the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. This is possible because chorea can occur many months after the streptococcal exposure, at a time when arthritis, carditis, and evidence of prior streptococcal infection are absent.

(look about half way down)

The above is not the most sophisticated reference, but is likely legitimate. A search for “chorea + Jones + criteria” yields plenty of statements in agreement.

This site states:

… the diagnosis of RF can be made in patients with only confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis and chorea.

And, FWIW, I was taught that all you need (in a kid, at least) to make the diagnosis was chorea. Clearly, if I was taught this, it must be true.