An evaluation of someone with possible rheumatic fever will begin with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with rheumatic fever may include:

• Muscle spasms:
• Abnormal movements
• Fever
• Joint swelling (multiple joints):
• Knee swelling
• Ankle swelling
• Joint tenderness
• Rash
• Red throat
• Skin nodules:
• Lumps under the skin on the elbows, wrists and knees

Tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.

Tests that may be used to evaluate rheumatic fever include:

• Blood anti-DNAase B
• Blood anti-streptozyme
• Blood ASO titers
• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• ESR may be elevated
• Throat culture or rapid strep screen
• Detects streptococcus bacteria
• Echocardiogram: may show damage to heart valves