To identify the clinical findings of first attack in acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and to find a profile of its epidemiology.
Results of clinical manifestations, incidence, laboratory findings relative to a new cases of first attack in ARF were studied. Six hospitals in Porto Alegre area were involved in the surveillance, during 16 months between 1992 and 1993.
Fifty-one cases with clinical manifestations were recorded: 40 (78.4%) cases with arthritis; 28 (56%) with carditis; 6 (11.8%) with Sydenhan's Chorea, 6 (11.8%) with erythema marginatum and 4 (7.8%) with subcutaneous nodes.
Diagnostic criteria firstly described by Jones are still employed in the clinical diagnosis in ARF in a first attack and that remains the principal etiology of valvar heart disease in that city.